Development of an image segmentation method from unmanned aerial vehicles based on the ant colony algorithm under the influence of speckle noise

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2025.334993

Keywords:

segmentation, unmanned aerial vehicle, ant algorithm, speckle noise, Sobel operator

Abstract

The object of research is the process of segmenting an image from an unmanned aerial vehicle based on the ant algorithm under the influence of speckle noise.

Unlike the known ones, the image segmentation method based on the ant algorithm involves the imitation of the collective behaviour of agents (ants) capable of adapting to local features of the image. In addition, the pheromone marking mechanism contributes to a more distinct delineation of the boundaries between segments, which positively affects the accuracy of dividing the image into segments.

Speckle noise is a type of multiplicative noise that occurs in images formed using coherent radiation. Its appearance is due to the interference of reflected waves coming from different points of the same object, but with microscopic differences in phase. This leads to the appearance of a chaotic granular structure that distorts the image and complicates further analysis.

Experimental studies have shown that the segmentation method based on the ant algorithm provides a reduction in segmentation errors of the first kind on average from 6% (in the absence of speckle noise) to 30% (at a speckle noise intensity σ = 15). With an increase in the speckle noise intensity, the gain in the value of the segmentation error of the first kind increases. The segmentation method based on the ant algorithm provides a reduction in segmentation errors of the second kind on average from 5% (in the absence of speckle noise) to 32% (at a speckle noise intensity σ = 15). With an increase in the speckle noise intensity, the gain in the value of the segmentation error of the second kind increases.

The practical value of the segmentation method based on the ant algorithm lies in the possibility of segmentation under the influence of speckle noise. At the same time, a reduction in segmentation errors of the first and second kind is ensured in comparison with the known method.

Supporting Agency

  • The research was conducted with grant support from the National Research Foundation of Ukraine within the framework of the competition “Science for Strengthening the Defense Capability of Ukraine”, project “Information Technology for Automated Segmentation of Object Images in Targeting Systems of Strike FPV Drones Based on Swarm Intelligence Algorithms”, registration number 2023.04/0153.

Author Biographies

Igor Ruban, Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Rector

Hennadii Khudov, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Head of Department

Department of Radar Troops Tactic

Vladyslav Khudov, Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics

PhD, Junior Researcher

Department of Information Technology Security

Oleksandr Makoveichuk, Academician Yury Bugai International Scientific and Technical University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor

Department of Computer Sciences and Software Engineering

Irina Khizhnyak, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University

Doctor of Technical Sciences

Scientific and Methodological Department for Quality Assurance in Educational Activities and Higher Education

Nazar Shamrai, Military Institute of National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv

Head of Department

Department of Military Technical and Information Research

Ihor Butko, Academician Yury Bugai International Scientific and Technical University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Computer Sciences and Software Engineering

Rostyslav Khudov, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

Department of Theoretical and Applied Informatics

Valerii Varvarov, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University

PhD, Leading Researcher

Scientific Research Department

Engineering Department

Oleksandr Kostianets, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University

PhD, Senior Lecturer

Department of Armament of Radar Troops

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Development of an image segmentation method from unmanned aerial vehicles based on the ant colony algorithm under the influence of speckle noise

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Published

2025-08-29

How to Cite

Ruban, I., Khudov, H., Khudov, V., Makoveichuk, O., Khizhnyak, I., Shamrai, N., Butko, I., Khudov, R., Varvarov, V., & Kostianets, O. (2025). Development of an image segmentation method from unmanned aerial vehicles based on the ant colony algorithm under the influence of speckle noise. Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 4(2(84), 80–86. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2025.334993

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Section

Systems and Control Processes