Correlated imaging, as a novel computational imaging technology, uses a single pixel detector without spatial resolution capability and combines with spatial light modulation technology to reconstruct two-dimensional spatial information of targets by correlation algorithm. It has been a research topic of widespread concern for two decades. Single pixel detector and structured light modulator are two core elements in correlated imaging, and their performance directly determines the property of correlated imaging. Single pixel detectors often have a very high spectral response range and working bandwidth. In these respects, structured light modulators rarely match the performance of detectors. Therefore, to some extent, the renewal process of the structured light modulator determines the development of the correlated imaging technology. So far, the common structured light modulators used in correlated imaging include ground-glass, spatial light modulator, LED array and masks. Among them, masks, which have been used as a structured light modulator with a long history, are still an important choice for spatial modulation in correlated imaging and play an irreplaceable role. This paper started with the basic concept and development process of correlated imaging, analysed the working principles and application prospects of some existing correlated imaging technologies based on mask modulation, and briefly summarized the work of mask-modulated correlation imaging in non-optical wavebands.