VisualNeo: Bridging the Gap between Visual Query Interfaces and Graph Query Engines

2026-04-28

AI Summary

This work addresses the longstanding disconnect between visual graph query interfaces (VQIs) and graph query engines (GQEs) by introducing VisualNeo, a novel visual subgraph querying system deeply integrated with Neo4j. VisualNeo bridges the gap between interactive query construction and efficient execution through a data-driven GUI design coupled with predefined query pattern generation, enabling seamless end-to-end subgraph querying and visual exploration of results. By tightly coupling advanced VQI capabilities with the widely adopted Neo4j graph database, VisualNeo significantly lowers the barrier for non-expert users while enhancing both the efficiency and interactivity of subgraph queries over large-scale graph data.

Abstract

Visual Graph Query Interfaces (VQIs) empower non-programmers to query graph data by constructing visual queries intuitively. Devising efficient technologies in Graph Query Engines (GQEs) for interactive search and exploration has also been studied for years. However, these two vibrant scientific fields are traditionally independent of each other, causing a vast barrier for users who wish to explore the full-stack operations of graph querying. In this demonstration, we propose a novel VQI system built upon Neo4j called VisualNeo that facilities an efficient subgraph query in large graph databases. VisualNeo inherits several advanced features from recent advanced VQIs, which include the data-driven gui design and canned pattern generation. Additionally, it embodies a database manager module in order that users can connect to generic Neo4j databases. It performs query processing through the Neo4j driver and provides an aesthetic query result exploration.

Problem

• Visual Query Interfaces
• Graph Query Engines
• Graph Querying
• User Interface
• Graph Databases

Innovation

• Visual Graph Query Interface
• Graph Query Engine
• Neo4j
• Subgraph Query
• Data-driven GUI