Interactive kiosk system for ai-generated custom vehicle decals with visual preview and on-demand printing

Abstract

A system for generating and printing custom vehicle decals via an interactive kiosk. The kiosk comprises a computer terminal connected to a generative image synthesis server and a printer cutter apparatus. Users input textual prompts through a graphical interface, which are processed by AI to generate images tailored to selected vehicle panels. The system retrieves vehicle model templates from a database and projects the generated decals onto a virtual 3D model for real-time visual preview. Users may adjust the design before printing onto vinyl sheets, which are cut to match panel shapes for application.

Description

Interactive Kiosk System for Al-Generated Custom Vehicle Decals with Visual Preview and On-Demand PrintingField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to graphical design and printing systems, and more particularly to an interactive kiosk system for generating, visualising, and printing custom decals for vehicles. The invention is especially suited to application in motorcycle and scooter customisation, enabling users to create personalised decal designs using artificial intelligence and to preview those designs on a virtual model of their actual vehicle before printing.Summary of the Disclosure

[0002] The disclosed system provides an interactive solution for generating and printing custom vehicle decals, particularly for motorcycles, using a public kiosk. The kiosk includes a computer terminal with a processor, memory, and input / output interfaces, including a digital display running a graphical editing interface. Users can design and customise decals through keyboard, pointer device, or touchscreen input. The terminal connects to a generative image synthesis server that interprets textual prompts to produce Al-generated images tailored to specific vehicle panels. A template server may supply model-specific panel data, enabling accurate selection and fitting of decals. Once a design is completed, the terminal communicates with a graphical printer cutter apparatus to print the decals onto vinyl and cut them to shape for application. The system may adjust images based on panel dimensions, resolution, and position to ensure seamless visual integration, and offers tools for further customisation and refinement before printing.

[0003] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a kiosk with a computer terminal interfacing a digital display, a graphics printer cutter apparatus, and a generative image synthesis server across a wide area network, and executing computer program code instruction controllers to: display a graphical editing interface on the digital display, the graphical editing interface configured to accept a textual prompt; download a generated image from the generative imagesynthesis server, the generated image generated using the textual prompt; superimpose the generated image onto one or more body panels of a vehicle for visual preview on the digital display; receive user input via the graphical editing interface to adjust the generated image on the vehicle virtual model; and print and cut an adjusted image as a decal sized and shaped according to the one or more body panels using the graphics printer cutter apparatus.

[0004] The system may optionally be configured such that the graphical editing interface enables rotation, resizing, or repositioning of the generated image.

[0005] In some embodiments, the graphical editing interface displays a set of generated images and allows user selection of one image to generate further images in a similar style.

[0006] The system may optionally support the allocation and swapping of images across multiple selected decals, and may further allow additional text or graphical elements to be added to the image.

[0007] The system may comprise or access a database of vehicle models and associated body panel templates, which may be searchable and selectable via the graphical editing interface.

[0008] In one embodiment, the graphical editing interface receives a selected vehicle model and displays corresponding panel templates for user selection.

[0009] The generative image synthesis server may generate images at a resolution and scale matched to the selected panel templates.

[0010] In some implementations, a separate image is generated for each selected panel, optionally based on spatial information defining the physical position of the panels on the vehicle.

[0011] Alternatively, the server may generate a single composite image into which panel templates are fitted using a best-fit algorithm, optionally based on relative spatial positioning of the panels.

[0012] In further embodiments, the generative image synthesis server may receive contextual information along with the textual prompt, such as kiosk configuration dataincluding geographic location, or user profile data obtained via social media authentication.

[0013] The system may include an augmented reality module configured to render a virtual three-dimensional model of the selected vehicle on the digital display, and to superimpose the generated image onto body panels of the virtual model for previewing decal placement prior to printing.

[0014] The kiosk may further include a stereo camera array or depth-sensing image sensor to detect user gestures, enabling gesture-based interaction with the virtual vehicle model.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system includes a short-range wireless communication interface for pairing with a mobile device, allowing design data to be transferred to the device for remote editing or deferred printing.

[0016] The kiosk may include a digital camera configured to capture an image of the user’s actual vehicle or vehicle panel, which is used to adjust or adapt a template for more accurate decal generation.

[0017] The system may automatically detect the panel boundary within the captured image and conform a base template to match the detected geometry.

[0018] Additionally, the system may be configured to align user-uploaded images to a panel template using affine transformation techniques.

[0019] The graphical editing interface may include a prompt refinement assistant that provides enhanced or alternative textual prompt suggestions using a natural language processing engine.

[0020] In further embodiments, the system supports a collaborative mode in which multiple users at separate kiosks or mobile devices may contribute to a shared decal design in real-time.

[0021] The system may further comprise a print usage optimisation engine configured to minimise material waste by arranging multiple decals on a print sheet using a bin packing algorithm.

[0022] Version control functionality may be provided to track successive design iterations and permit rollback to prior versions via a version management interface.

[0023] In offline scenarios, the system may use a locally stored lightweight generative model executed by the terminal’s processor to generate images when the remote image synthesis server is unavailable.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating and printing a decal using the system described above, the method comprising: inputting a textual prompt into the graphical editing interface; generating an image based on the textual prompt using the generative image synthesis server; rendering a virtual three-dimensional model of a selected vehicle on the digital display; superimposing the generated image onto one or more body panels of the virtual model for visual preview; receiving user input via the graphical editing interface to adjust the image on the virtual model; and printing and cutting the adjusted image as a decal using the graphics printer cutter apparatus.

[0025] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a decal generation and printing system in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 2 shows a method using the system of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment.Description of Embodiments

[0029] Figure 1 shows a decal generation and printing system 100 in accordance with an embodiment. The system 100 comprises a kiosk 101 , typically located in a public space, and equipped with a computer terminal 102.

[0030] The computer terminal 102 comprises a processor 103 for executing digital instructions and processing data. A memory device 104 is in operable communication with the processor 103 via a system bus 108 and is configured to store digital data 105, including computer program code instructions. In use, the processor 103retrieves these program code instructions and associated data to implement the computational functionality described herein. The computer program code instructions may be logically divided into a plurality of controllers 106.

[0031] The processor 103 interfaces a digital display 1 1 1 via the I / O interface 108. The controllers 106 operate the display 1 1 1 to render a graphical editing interface1 12. As will be described in further detail below, users interact with the graphical editing interface 1 12 to generate, configure, and print graphical decals for vehicles such as motorcycles.

[0032] The I / O interface 108 may also connect to a keyboard 109 and / or a pointer device 1 10 for user interaction with the graphical editing interface 1 12. In some embodiments, the digital display 1 1 1 is overlaid with a touch-sensitive haptic interface configured to receive user gestures relating to content displayed on the screen. In such configurations, the terminal 102 may not require a separate physical keyboard or pointing device.

[0033] The computer terminal 102 also interfaces a graphical printer cutter apparatus1 13. which is configured to print images onto a substrate such as vinyl and then cut the material into decal shapes corresponding to selected vehicle body panels.

[0034] The computer terminal 102 comprises a data interface 124 for transmitting and receiving data via a wide area network 1 14, such as the Internet.

[0035] The computer terminal 102 is in operable communication with a generative image synthesis server 1 15 over the wide area network 1 14. In addition, the terminal 102 may communicate with a template server 1 16, also accessible over the network1 14. The template server 1 16 hosts a database of vehicle models and corresponding body panel templates, which are searchable and retrievable through the graphical editing interface 1 12.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a method 1 17 for generating and printing graphical decals using the system 100. The method is described with reference to motorcycle scooters; however, the system 100 may be applicable to other vehicle types.

[0037] At step 1 18, the user searches for a motorcycle model via the graphical editing interface 1 12, such as by entering a model name. The computer terminal 102 queriesthe template server 1 16 to retrieve matching model data from the database. The digital display 1 1 1 presents one or more search results, from which the user selects the appropriate model.

[0038] Once a specific motorcycle model is selected, the system displays a set of corresponding body panel templates within the interface 1 12. These templates are selectable by the user, who may wish to generate a decal for a single panel (e.g., a front panel) or multiple panels.

[0039] At step 120, the user enters a textual prompt into the graphical editing interface 1 12. The terminal 102 transmits the prompt to the generative image synthesis server 1 15, which generates one or more images in response. The server 1 15 interprets the prompt using an Al model trained on a dataset of images and descriptive text. The model extracts visual features and synthesises one or more images reflecting the content and style specified in the prompt. This process may involve feature recognition, pattern analysis, and the application of generative adversarial networks or diffusion models to create highly detailed and original graphical content.

[0040] The server 1 15 may be configured to generate images at a specified resolution and size, tailored to the selected panel templates. For example, if decals are to be printed at 300 dpi, the server may be instructed to generate images of suitable pixel dimensions to ensure high-quality output.

[0041] In some embodiments, the server 1 15 may generate separate images for each selected panel. Alternatively, the server may receive spatial metadata indicating the layout of each panel on the vehicle — for instance, identifying one panel as a front fairing and others as opposing side panels — and generate a coherent image set with coordinated visual themes.

[0042] In further embodiments, the server 1 15 may generate a single image which is subdivided according to a best-fit layout algorithm. This algorithm maps panel templates onto the image based on their relative spatial positioning on the motorcycle, ensuring continuity in the visual design across multiple panels.

[0043] At step 121 , the user previews the generated image(s) on the digital display 1 1 1 via the graphical editing interface 1 12. If unsatisfied with the results, the usermay enter a revised prompt or modify the original prompt to initiate a refinement process. The system supports iterative design, whereby each refinement yields a new set of candidate images.

[0044] In embodiments, the system 100 may display multiple generated images simultaneously, allowing the user to select a preferred image. Based on this selection, the server 1 15 may generate additional images in a similar style or composition, progressively refining the output toward the user’s preferences.

[0045] In some configurations, the system 100 enhances image generation by incorporating contextual metadata into the prompt. This may include kiosk configuration data such as geographic location — e.g., city or country — enabling the server 1 15 to generate culturally or regionally appropriate imagery.

[0046] The system may also incorporate user profile data, optionally obtained by authenticating with a social media account. Textual or visual data from the user’s profile may be analysed to influence image generation, thereby personalising the output to match the user’s interests or style.

[0047] Generated images may be optionally shared via social media platforms using an integrated interface. In this way, the user may publish the generated images directly to their account or send them to other users.

[0048] At step 122, the user may modify the generated images using the graphical editing interface 1 12. The interface may allow the user to rotate, resize, and reposition images relative to the selected decal templates. For multiple images corresponding to multiple decals, the user may swap images between panels. Additional embellishments, such as icons, borders, and text elements, may also be added.

[0049] At step 123, the terminal 102 controls the graphical printer cutter apparatus 1 13 to execute the printing and cutting process. The apparatus may feed a vinyl sheet from a roll beneath inkjet or thermal transfer print heads, apply the graphical content, and then cut the sheet to the desired shapes. Printed and cut decals may be deposited onto a drying tray or output slot. The vinyl sheet may include an adhesive backing protected by a removable liner to facilitate subsequent application onto the vehicle panels.

[0050] In further embodiments, the system 100 includes an augmented reality (AR) module integrated into the computer terminal 102. The AR module comprises a 3D rendering engine executed by the processor 103, which renders a manipulable virtual model of the selected vehicle on the digital display 1 1 1. The vehicle model is retrieved from the template server 1 16 and includes geometric data corresponding to the physical shape of the actual vehicle.

[0051] In further embodiments, the system 100 comprises an augmented reality (AR) module integrated into the computer terminal 102 to enable real-time visualisation of decal placement on a virtual 3D model of a vehicle. The AR module comprises a 3D rendering engine executed by the processor 103, which interfaces the digital display 1 1 1 to present a manipulable, perspective-adjustable rendering of the vehicle.

[0052] Decals selected or generated by the user are dynamically projected onto the relevant body panel regions of the 3D model based on spatial mapping data, retrieved from the template server 1 16. The AR module adjusts decal curvature, scale, and perspective dynamically to simulate realistic application onto the surface geometry of the vehicle, and may further incorporate lighting and shading effects to produce a photorealistic preview.

[0053] In additional embodiments, the system 100 is configured with a mobile-device pairing module for transferring design data between the computer terminal 102 and a companion mobile application. The pairing module is implemented using a short- range communication interface 126 such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) embedded within the kiosk 101 and interfaced via the I / O interface 108. When a user initiates a pairing operation via the graphical editing interface 1 12, a secure handshake is established with the user’s mobile device, authenticated via a one-time code or digital certificate. Once paired, design state data — including selected templates, generated images, prompt history, and user edits — may be encrypted and transmitted to the mobile device for offline editing. The mobile app may replicate the graphical editing interface 1 12, enabling continuity of user interaction and subsequent synchronisation when the user returns to any kiosk 101.

[0054] In further embodiments, the system 100 supports dynamic template adaptation by way of a vehicle panel imaging module. The kiosk 101 comprises a high-resolution digital camera 127 mounted within an adjustable imaging bay configured to capture images of the user’s specific motorcycle or modified panel components. The image is processed locally by the processor 103 using edge detection and computer vision algorithms, such as Canny edge detection and Hough transform routines, to determine the boundaries, curvature, and surface topology of the photographed panel. These parameters are used to adjust a baseline template retrieved from the template server 1 16, deforming or scaling the shape to match the user-provided image. The adapted template is stored in memory 1 04 and presented in the graphical editing interface 1 12 as a new selectable panel configuration.

[0055] The system 100 may additionally comprise auto-alignment logic implemented as part of the computer program code instructions 106 executed by the processor 103. When a user uploads a graphical asset such as a logo or image file via a USB input or mobile device connection, the asset is analysed with respect to the selected template geometry. The system automatically determines the centroid of the image, detects dominant colours, and calculates a best-fit transformation using affine transformation matrices. The image is then automatically positioned within the panel boundary, scaled and rotated as necessary to align symmetrically or according to aesthetic weight distribution. The user may override this automatic placement via the graphical editing interface 1 12, which displays the applied transformation parameters and permits manual adjustment.

[0056] In another embodiment, the system 100 comprises an Al-driven prompt refinement assistant configured to assist users in composing textual prompts for image generation. The assistant is implemented using a lightweight natural language processing (NLP) engine resident in memory 104 and executed by processor 103. As the user begins typing a prompt into the graphical editing interface 1 12, the NLP engine analyses the partial input in real time and suggests prompt completions based on a corpus of previously successful prompts stored in a local or remote prompt database. The assistant may highlight ambiguous or under-specified terms andpropose alternatives that improve visual specificity (e.g., replacing “cool background” with “urban night skyline with neon lights”). Suggestions may be displayed in a floating dialog adjacent to the text input field, and selected suggestions are incorporated into the final prompt sent to the generative image synthesis server 1 15.

[0057] In further embodiments, the system 100 includes a real-time collaboration module, enabling multiple users at separate kiosks 101 or on remote mobile devices to co-develop a shared decal set. The module establishes a secure collaboration session via a real-time messaging protocol such as WebRTC or MQTT over the wide area network 114. Each participant’s computer terminal 102 maintains a synchronised copy of the shared decal project, including templates, image layers, prompt history and graphical edits. Any change made by one participant is immediately propagated to all others using delta state encoding and conflict resolution rules. A sidebar in the graphical editing interface 1 12 may display collaborator avatars and edit histories, allowing participants to tag elements or leave annotations on specific decals.

[0058] To optimise material efficiency, the system 100 may include a print usage optimisation engine. Prior to sending a print job to the graphical printer cutter apparatus 1 13, the processor 103 executes a bin-packing algorithm to arrange all decals onto a print sheet with minimal material waste. This engine uses template shape metadata, margin constraints, and material roll dimensions to generate an optimised layout, potentially rotating and nesting individual decal paths to minimise interstitial space. The resulting layout file is then transmitted to the printer cutter apparatus 1 13 along with cut path data for execution.

[0059] In support of non-linear design workflows, the system 100 may store each design iteration in a version control system resident in memory device 104. Each time the user finalises a change (e.g., new prompt submission, image placement, or panel selection), a new version snapshot is created and timestamped. The graphical editing interface 1 12 provides a timeline control panel allowing users to scroll through previous states and preview changes. The system supports full rollback to any prior version, restoring all associated design parameters, graphical layers, and prompthistory. Each version may also be tagged by the user with custom labels for identification.

[0060] To support transactional workflows, the kiosk 101 may be equipped with an integrated payment and scheduling module. A payment terminal 128 is interfaced via the I / O interface 108 and accepts contactless payment methods such as EMV chip cards, NFC payments, and digital wallets. Upon finalising a design, the user may choose between immediate printing, deferred collection, or delivery. If scheduling a deferred job, the system stores the print parameters and selected print time in memory 104 and queues the job accordingly. Notifications may be sent to the user via SMS or app-based alerts upon job completion.

[0061] In another embodiment, the system 100 incorporates a heat-map alignment module configured to automatically guide image placement based on data analytics. The module uses a locally stored heat-map file that aggregates historical data indicating the most frequently selected regions of each panel for decal placement. When a user adds a new image, the system cross-references the current template with the heat-map and suggests a position that coincides with areas of high user engagement. This improves aesthetic outcomes and leverages collective user preferences for optimised layout suggestions.

[0062] Finally, the system 100 may support a local image synthesis fallback module. In the event that communication with the generative image synthesis server 1 15 is interrupted or latency exceeds a threshold, the terminal 102 may activate a lightweight embedded generative model stored in memory 104. This model, trained on a constrained subset of images and prompts, is executed locally by processor 103 and supports basic image synthesis functionality. While output quality may be lower than server-based synthesis, the local module ensures uninterrupted operation and enables continued user interaction and design generation in offline scenarios .

[0063] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments ofthe invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A system comprising a kiosk comprising with computer terminal interfacing a digital display, a graphics printer cutter apparatus and a generative image synthesis server across a wide area network and executing computer program code instruction controllers to: display a graphical editing interface on the digital display, the graphical editing interface configured to accept a textual prompt, download a generated image from the generative image synthesis server, the generated image generated using the textual prompt; superimposing the generated image onto one or more body panels of a vehicle for visual preview on the digital display; receiving user input via the graphical editing interface to adjust the generated image on the vehicle virtual model; and printing and cutting an adjusted image as a decal sized and shaped according to the one or more body panels using the graphics printer cutter apparatus.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the graphical editing interface is configured for at least one of rotating, resizing and repositioning the image.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the graphical editing interface is configured for displaying a set of images generated by the server, receiving a selection of one of the images and generating a further set of images according to the selection.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein for more than one image and respective decal, the graphical editing interface is configured for swapping respective images allocated to respective decals.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein graphical editing interface is configured for adding additional graphics or text to the at least one image.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a database of vehicular models and respective body panel templates searchable via the graphical editing interface.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the graphical editing interface is configured to receive a vehicle model, display a plurality of respective panels and receive a selection of one or more of the panels.

8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system is configured for generating images using the generative image synthesis server having at least one of a size and a resolution according to templates of selected panels.

9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the server is prompted to generate a separate image for each selected panel.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the server is prompted with spatial locations of selected panels.1 1 . The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the server is configured for fitting panel templates within a single image.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein a best fit algorithm fits the panel templates within the single image.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the best fit algorithm places the templates according to the relative spatial positioning.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system is further configured for generating the at least one image with contextual information in addition to the textual prompt.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the contextual information comprises kiosk configuration data.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the contextual information comprises user profile data.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the user profile data is obtained by authenticating with a social media server and wherein the contextual information is obtained using at least one of text and image data obtained therefrom.

18. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the computer terminal comprises an augmented reality (AR) module configured to render a three-dimensional virtual model of a selected vehicle on the digital display, and to superimpose the at least oneimage onto body panels of the model for visualisation of decal placement prior to printing.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the kiosk comprises a stereo camera array or a depth-sensing image sensor configured to detect user gestures, and wherein the AR module is configured to receive gesture input for adjusting a viewing angle of the virtual model.

20. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the kiosk comprises a short-range wireless communication interface configured to pair with a mobile device, and wherein the computer terminal is configured to transfer decal design data to the mobile device for remote editing or deferred printing.21 . The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the kiosk comprises a camera configured to capture an image of a vehicle panel, and the computer terminal is configured to adapt a panel template based on the captured image using image processing techniques.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the computer terminal is configured to detect the boundary of the vehicle panel in the captured image and to adjust the shape of a retrieved template to conform to the detected boundary.

23. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the graphical editing interface is configured to receive a user-uploaded image and to automatically align the image within the selected panel template using an affine transformation.

24. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the graphical editing interface comprises a prompt refinement assistant configured to analyse a textual prompt and suggest alternative or enhanced prompt phrases using a natural language processing engine.

25. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to support a real-time collaboration session in which multiple users contribute to a shared decal design via separate kiosks or mobile devices, and wherein changes made by one user are synchronised across connected devices.

26. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the computer terminal comprises a print usage optimisation engine configured to arrange multiple decals on a print sheet using a bin-packing algorithm to minimise material waste.

27. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the computer terminal is configured to track a plurality of design iterations and permit rollback to any previous version via a version control interface.

28. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the computer terminal comprises a local generative model executable by the processor and configured to generate images in response to a textual prompt when the generative image synthesis server is unavailable.

29. A method of generating and printing a decal using the system as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising: inputting a textual prompt into the graphical editing interface; generating an image based on the textual prompt using the generative image synthesis server; rendering a virtual three-dimensional model of a selected vehicle on the digital display; superimposing the generated image onto one or more body panels of the virtual model for visual preview; receiving user input via the graphical editing interface to adjust the image on the virtual model; and printing and cutting the adjusted image as a decal using the graphics printer cutter apparatus.

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