Measurement methods of 3D shape of large-scale complex surfaces based on computer vision: A review

Large components are widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, automobile, and other fields. The accuracy of three-dimension (3D) measurement is an important standard to measure the quality of production and assembly of the whole equipment. Due to the large-scale and difficulty in measuring complex surfaces, some optical methods for measuring 3D shapes are difficult to apply. Optical 3D shape measurement technology based on the main theoretical basis such as close-range industrial photogrammetry and stereo vision 3D shape measurement technology based on fringe structure light projection has developed rapidly. Currently, there is no review paper to comprehensively introduce these technical methods. To fill this gap and stimulate further research, we conducted a comprehensive investigation on the 3D shape measurement methods of large-scale complex surfaces, including the basic principles, application scope, measurement instruments, and systems of various methods, discussed the tasks and challenges faced by the current research, and provided potential solutions.