StylusPort: Investigating Teleportation using Stylus in VR

TL;DR

In a user study that features a teleport-and-orient task, this work evaluates six teleportation techniques, covering two mode-switching methods (Button and Flip) and three orientation approaches and offers new insights into the relative merits and limitations of each technique.

Abstract

With a stylus, users can both sweep sketches across models and pinpoint locations with precision. Building on this dual capability, we explore how teleportation can be integrated into stylus interaction without disrupting the flow of common stylus usage. We introduce two key ideas: flipping the stylus as an intuitive mode switch between drawing and teleportation, and using gaze to set orientation while the stylus handles positioning. In a user study that features a teleport-and-orient task, we evaluate six teleportation techniques, covering two mode-switching methods (Button and Flip) and three orientation approaches (StylusRoll, StylusPoint, and GazePoint). The results offer new insights into the relative merits and limitations of each technique. Our work contributes to knowledge about teleportation in VR and fills the gap in seamlessly integrating teleportation with stylus use in 3D.

Figures (11)

• Figure 1: Interaction steps for teleportation with three orientation controls (example with mode switch by stylus flip): StylusRoll, StylusPoint, and GazePoint. After the mode switch, the user first confirms a teleport position by pressing and holding the teleport button. Then, they specify the orientation by either (a) rolling the stylus, (b) pointing the stylus toward the desired facing direction, or (c) directing their gaze toward the desired facing direction. Releasing the button triggers the teleport. Note that the blue arrows are for illustrative purposes and are not displayed to users.
• Figure 2: When teleporting behind an object, the user positions the cursor so that the ray intersects the object. The object then becomes semi-transparent, allowing the orientation ray to pass through.
• Figure 3: Study example with Flip +StylusPoint: (a) The user taps the button with the stylus to start, (b) they select a teleport destination, (c) they specify orientation while pressing the button, (d) release to teleport and draw a line to finish.
• Figure 4: When teleporting to face a blackboard presented from its side, it can be difficult to cast the orientation point onto its thin edge. A practical strategy is to instead place the orientation point on the ground behind the blackboard.
• Figure 5: Logitech MX Ink stylus controls. Figure adapted with permission from Kehoe2025Logitech.