Lung X-Ray Image Segmentation Using Heuristic Red Fox Optimization Algorithm

Medical image segmentation identifies an area that should be analyzed later in the processing process, such as for disease recognition and classification. As the image search area is reduced, this action allows for faster computation and analysis. We propose the use of a heuristic red fox heuristic optimization algorithm (RFOA) for medical image segmentation in this paper. The heuristics’ operation was adapted to the analysis of two-dimensional images, with a focus on equation modification and the novel fitness function. The proposed solution analyzes the image by converting the selected pixels to one of two color variants, black or white, based on the threshold value used. Their number is counted, allowing analysis of the chosen threshold. As a result, such analysis results in the automatic selection of the segmentation threshold parameter. Our method propose a new fitness function and the adjustment of RFOA to image analysis. We used a publicly available database of lung X-ray images for evaluation, and based on the results, an accuracy analysis was performed, as well as a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks is presented.