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Overview

RALQ’s Augmented Reality (AR) mode allows you to project 3D molecular structures and laboratory instruments into your real-world environment using your device’s camera. This immersive experience enhances understanding of molecular scale and spatial relationships.

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Device Requirements

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Compatible Devices

Minimum Requirements:
  • iPhone 6S or newer
  • iOS 12 or later
  • ARKit support (built-in on compatible devices)
  • Safari or Chrome browser
Recommended:
  • iPhone 8 or newer for optimal performance
  • iOS 14+ for latest AR features
  • At least 2GB free storage
  • Active internet connection for initial model load
Desktop computers and laptops do not support AR mode. You must use a mobile device with camera and AR capabilities.

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Checking Compatibility

1

Check AR Support

For Android:For iOS:
  • All iPhones from 6S onward support ARKit
  • Check Settings → General → About for iOS version
2

Verify Browser Support

RALQ’s AR features work with:
  • Safari (iOS) - native support
  • Chrome (Android) - Scene Viewer
  • Chrome (iOS) - Quick Look integration
Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.
3

Check Camera Permissions

  • Go to device Settings
  • Navigate to App permissions or Privacy
  • Ensure camera access is allowed for your browser

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Launching AR Mode

1

Navigate to a Model

From the RALQ main menu:
  • Select “Estructuras Moleculares” for molecular structures
  • Or choose a Laboratory section for instrument models
  • Browse the available 3D models
2

Locate AR Button

On each model card, find the blue button labeled:
  • “Ver en Realidad Aumentada” (View in Augmented Reality)
  • Located at the bottom of the card
  • Below the model name and formula
3

Launch AR Experience

Click/tap the AR button:
  • iOS: Opens Quick Look AR viewer
  • Android: Launches Scene Viewer
  • Both: May prompt for camera permission on first use
The model loads in AR-ready format with placement controls.
4

Grant Camera Access

If prompted:
  • Tap “Allow” when browser requests camera access
  • Required for AR functionality
  • One-time permission (saved for future use)
RALQ uses external AR platforms (MyWebAR) for hosting AR experiences. Each model links to a specific AR project URL.

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AR Launch Examples

AR URL: https://mywebar.com/p/Project_2_y08cdw22ddWhat to Expect:
  • Small-scale molecular model
  • Two white hydrogen atoms
  • One red oxygen atom
  • Angular bonding structure
  • Rotatable and scalable in AR space
AR URL: https://mywebar.com/p/Project_0_lui6nsi9y3What to Expect:
  • Complex organic structure
  • Multiple atom colors representing elements
  • Larger model requiring more space
  • Detailed molecular bonds visible
AR URL: https://mywebar.com/p/Project_1_f3ia9uedarWhat to Expect:
  • Full-scale or scaled laboratory instrument
  • Detailed components visible
  • Larger footprint than molecular models
  • Table or desk placement recommended

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Placing Models in Your Space

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Initial Placement

1

Scan Your Environment

When AR mode launches:
  • Move your device slowly side-to-side
  • Point camera at flat surfaces (floor, table, desk)
  • The device detects horizontal planes automatically
  • White dots or grid appear when surface is detected
2

Position the Model

  • A transparent preview of the model appears
  • Move device to adjust preview position
  • Aim for a flat, stable surface
  • Ensure adequate space around the model
3

Confirm Placement

  • Tap the screen to place the model
  • The model “locks” to the detected surface
  • Now fully visible and interactive
  • Remains in position as you move around it
4

Walk Around

  • Physically move around the model
  • View from different angles
  • Get closer or further away
  • Crouch down for eye-level views
For best results, place models on:
  • Tables or desks (for small molecular models)
  • Floor (for larger laboratory equipment)
  • Well-lit, textured surfaces (not mirrors or glass)
  • Areas with at least 6 feet of surrounding space

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Surface Detection Tips

If surfaces aren’t being detected:
  • Improve Lighting: Ensure room is well-lit (natural or artificial)
  • Add Texture: Plain white surfaces are harder to detect; use textured areas
  • Move Slowly: Rapid movement confuses the AR system
  • Angle Camera Down: Point at 30-45° angle to floor/table
  • Clean Lens: Fingerprints or smudges reduce detection accuracy
  • Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Glass, mirrors, and polished metal don’t work well

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Adjusting Model Size and Position

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Scaling Models

Pinch Gesture:
  • Place two fingers on model
  • Spread apart to make larger
  • Pinch together to make smaller
  • Scale maintains proportions
Rotation:
  • Swipe horizontally to rotate around Y-axis
  • Two-finger twist to rotate around Z-axis
  • Tilt device to view from different angles

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Repositioning Models

1

Lift the Model

iOS: Tap model, then tap and hold to drag to new locationAndroid: Long-press model, then drag across surfaces
2

Adjust Height

Some AR platforms allow vertical adjustment:
  • Drag model up/down on screen
  • Or use two-finger vertical swipe
  • Useful for placing on different surfaces
3

Reset Position

If model placement goes wrong:
  • Look for reset button (circular arrow)
  • Or exit and re-enter AR mode
  • Restart placement process
Model size and position are not saved between AR sessions. You’ll need to reposition each time you enter AR mode.

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Best Lighting and Space Conditions

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Optimal Lighting

Best Practices:
  • Brightness: Well-lit rooms (natural daylight or 400+ lux artificial light)
  • Even Distribution: Avoid harsh shadows from single light sources
  • Color Temperature: Neutral white light (4000-5000K) works best
  • Avoid Backlighting: Don’t point camera toward windows or bright lights
Avoid:
  • Very dim rooms (models may appear dark)
  • Harsh directional spotlights (creates confusing shadows)
  • Flashing or flickering lights (interferes with tracking)
  • Strong colored lighting (affects model color accuracy)
Can Work In:
  • Overcast days (even, diffused light)
  • Shaded outdoor areas
  • Early morning or late afternoon (not midday sun)
Challenging Conditions:
  • Bright direct sunlight (screen visibility issues)
  • Very bright environments (camera exposure problems)
  • Rapidly changing light (clouds moving)
  • Nighttime without adequate artificial light

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Space Requirements

Minimum Space: 3 feet × 3 feet clear areaRecommended: 5 feet × 5 feetSurface Types:
  • Desk or table surface (most common)
  • Floor (if viewing large molecules)
  • Kitchen counter
  • Coffee table
Clearance: 2 feet around model for walking and viewing from all angles
Safety Considerations:
  • Ensure walkway is clear of obstacles
  • Be aware of surroundings while moving
  • Don’t use AR near stairs or elevated surfaces
  • Watch for tripping hazards (cords, furniture)
  • Have someone supervise if in unfamiliar spaces

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AR Interaction Features

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Available Controls

Common to All Models:
  • Rotate: Swipe left/right on model
  • Scale: Pinch to zoom in/out
  • Move: Drag to reposition
  • View from All Angles: Physically walk around
Platform-Specific:
  • iOS Quick Look: Object Mode vs AR Mode toggle
  • Android Scene Viewer: Screenshot capture button
  • MyWebAR: May include additional UI overlays

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Educational Features

1

Scale Comparison

Place multiple models in same space:
  • Compare relative molecular sizes
  • Understand atomic scale vs lab equipment scale
  • Visualize size relationships
2

Spatial Understanding

Use AR to comprehend:
  • 3D molecular geometry (bond angles)
  • Equipment component relationships
  • How structures exist in three dimensions
  • Spatial orientation of functional groups
3

Collaborative Learning

Multiple people can:
  • View the same AR model simultaneously
  • Discuss from different viewpoints
  • Point out specific atoms or features
  • Share observations in real-time
Take screenshots or screen recordings of your AR sessions for notes, reports, or sharing with classmates. Most AR platforms include a built-in capture button.

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Troubleshooting AR Issues

Symptoms: AR button does nothing or shows errorSolutions:
  • Verify device AR compatibility (check requirements section)
  • Update browser to latest version
  • Grant camera permissions in device settings
  • Check internet connection (models load from external URLs)
  • Restart browser and try again
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Try a different browser (Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android)
Symptoms: AR loads but camera feed is blackSolutions:
  • Check camera permissions for browser
  • Close other apps using camera
  • Restart device
  • Clean camera lens
  • Ensure camera hardware is functional (test with native camera app)
  • Disable any camera privacy covers or stickers
Symptoms: AR loads, camera works, but no model visibleSolutions:
  • Improve lighting in room
  • Move to a different surface with more texture
  • Ensure sufficient space (model may be too large for area)
  • Check internet connection (model may not have loaded)
  • Reload the AR experience
  • Try a different model to isolate the issue
Symptoms: Model drifts, jumps, or doesn’t stay in placeSolutions:
  • Improve lighting conditions
  • Move to a surface with more visual detail
  • Slow down device movement
  • Avoid reflective or transparent surfaces
  • Close background apps to free device resources
  • Reduce model size if it’s very large
  • Recalibrate by exiting and re-entering AR
Symptoms: Model is stretched, flattened, or incorrectly scaledSolutions:
  • Use pinch gesture to reset scale
  • Exit and re-enter AR mode for fresh start
  • Ensure you’re not inadvertently scaling while placing
  • Check that device is held level (not tilted)
  • Try placing on a different surface
Symptoms: Choppy frame rate, delayed responses, overheatingSolutions:
  • Close all other apps
  • Reduce model complexity (choose simpler molecules)
  • Lower device brightness to reduce heat
  • Remove device case if overheating
  • Update device OS to latest version
  • Restart device to clear memory
  • Use AR in shorter sessions to prevent thermal throttling

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Best Practices for AR Learning

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Preparation

1

Choose Your Space

Select a location with:
  • Good lighting (natural or artificial)
  • Flat, textured surfaces
  • Adequate space to move around
  • Minimal distractions
2

Pre-load Models

Before starting AR:
  • View models in 3D mode first
  • Read information cards
  • Review molecular formulas and properties
  • Understand what you’re looking for
3

Prepare Device

  • Charge battery (AR drains power quickly)
  • Free up RAM by closing apps
  • Clean camera lens
  • Connect to Wi-Fi for best performance

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During AR Sessions

  • Start Small: Begin with simple molecules (water, propane) before complex ones
  • Take Time: Don’t rush; examine from all angles
  • Compare: Place multiple models to compare sizes and structures
  • Document: Take screenshots of interesting views or configurations
  • Collaborate: Use AR with classmates to discuss structures
  • Relate to Theory: Connect AR visualization to textbook concepts

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Session Length

Recommended AR Session Duration:
  • Optimal: 10-15 minutes per model
  • Maximum: 30 minutes before taking a break (prevents device overheating and eye strain)
  • Breaks: Rest eyes by looking at distant objects for 20 seconds every 5 minutes

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AR Model Library

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Available Molecular Structures

Currently available in AR:
MoleculeFormulaAR ComplexitySpace Needed
WaterH₂OSimple (3 atoms)Small (3×3 ft)
Benzyl AlcoholC₈H₁₀OModerate (19 atoms)Medium (4×4 ft)
CaffeineC₈H₁₀N₄O₂Complex (24 atoms)Medium (4×4 ft)
PhenolC₆H₅OHModerate (13 atoms)Medium (4×4 ft)
GlycerolC₃H₈O₃Moderate (14 atoms)Medium (4×4 ft)
PropaneC₃H₈Simple (11 atoms)Small (3×3 ft)

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Available Laboratory Equipment

AR-enabled instruments:
  • Gradilla (test tube rack)
  • Microscopio (microscope)
  • Mortero con mano (mortar and pestle)
Note: Some general chemistry equipment may have placeholder AR links.

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Technical Specifications

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AR Platform Integration

RALQ integrates with external AR providers:
  • Platform: MyWebAR (https://mywebar.com)
  • Model Format: GLB (GL Transmission Format Binary)
  • Rendering: WebGL-based 3D rendering
  • AR Frameworks:
    • ARKit (iOS)
    • ARCore (Android)
    • WebXR Device API

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Model Viewer Attributes

Each 3D model includes AR capability via the ar attribute: 
<model-viewer
  src="modelos/agua.glb"
  alt="Modelo de agua"
  auto-rotate
  camera-controls
  ar
  style="width: 100%; height: 240px;"
  shadow-intensity="0"
  interaction-prompt="none">
</model-viewer>
The ar attribute enables the AR button in compatible browsers.

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Limitations and Considerations

Current AR Limitations:
  • External platform dependency (requires MyWebAR access)
  • Some models may have placeholder AR links
  • Internet connection required for each AR session
  • AR quality depends on device hardware capabilities
  • Battery consumption is higher than regular 3D viewing
  • Some advanced interactions may not be available in all AR modes
Privacy and Permissions:
  • AR requires camera access
  • Camera feed is processed locally on your device
  • No images are uploaded or stored by RALQ
  • MyWebAR may have its own privacy policy
  • Review permissions in device settings

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Next Steps

After mastering AR mode:
  • Explore all available molecular structures
  • Learn about laboratory equipment in detail
  • Use AR to study for exams or complete assignments
  • Share AR screenshots with study groups
  • Provide feedback to RALQ team for future improvements
AR is most effective when combined with traditional study methods. Use AR to visualize concepts, then reinforce learning with textbooks, notes, and practice problems.

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