A novel multi-level image segmentation algorithm via random opposition learning-based Aquila optimizer

Aquila optimizer (AO) is an efficient meta-heuristic optimization method, which mimics the hunting style of Aquila in nature. However, the AO algorithm may suffer from immature convergence during the exploitation stage. In this paper, two strategies are elegantly employed into conventional AO, such as random opposition-based learning and nonlinear flexible jumping factor, which can efficiently enhance the performance of conventional AO. Experiments on 17 benchmark functions and image segmentation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Comparison with several state-of-the-art meta-heuristic optimization techniques indicates the efficacy of the developed method.