Dynamic decal system research directions

Hello Everyone

I have been quite uncertain on where to put this question so i ended up posting it in here. I want to build my own decal system which i can use at runtime and i really need some help in finding useful documentation.
When i start searching for the answers and solutions i really get confused. I need a solid point from which to start my research.
My implementation will be a splatter which will stick to any given surface and conform to its geometry at runtime.
What i'm asking for is any documentation or article or a book that i can study and learn how to do it by myself.
Perhaps there is some serious background that i'm missing right now. So i will help a ton if you can give me some source to read and study.