Different from traditional array-detector imaging technology, single pixel imaging(SPI) technology, which is considered as a novel computational imaging technology, uses a bucket detector with no spatial resolution capability and combines with the spatial light field modulation technology to reconstruct the intensity of the object by correlation algorithm, which has received extensive attention. In recent years, SPI has been widely used with different light source, especially in some special wavebands, where the array-detectors are expensive or even impossible to be made. SPI has gradually developed into an alternative technology with low cost and high quality. In addition, a large number of works of SPI have been proposed in 3D imaging technology. The basic principle and application development of single pixel imaging was introduced. Its application in fringe projection 3D imaging was also introduced emphatically.