Multi-Camera Stereo-Digital Image Correlation: A Review

Conventional binocular stereo digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) faces challenges in balancing measurement area and measurement uncertainty, particularly in scenarios involving complex surfaces and large fields of view (FOVs). In response to this challenge, the multi-camera stereo-DIC method, based on synchronous capture and a unified coordinate system, has emerged. Throughout its development, this technique has not only shown excellent performance in large FOV and panoramic deformation measurements but also demonstrated substantial potential in multi-scale, high-dynamic-range, and high-speed measurements, greatly expanding the application prospects of vision-based deformation measurements. This paper commences with a concise overview of the technical foundations of multi-camera stereo-DIC, detailing the advancements in key technologies from reducing measurement uncertainty, expanding the measurement area, to achieving multi-scale, high-dynamic-range, and high-speed measurements. Subsequently, the method is introduced with typical applications in large FOV, panoramic, multi-scale, high-temperature, and high-speed measurements. Finally, the paper outlines current challenges and highlights future development goals for this method. This review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers and engineers striving to enhance the accuracy and precision of deformation measurement techniques.