An enhanced secretary bird optimization algorithm based on precise elimination mechanism and boundary control for numerical optimization and low-light image enhancement

Metaheuristic optimization algorithms often face challenges such as complex modeling, limited adaptability, and a tendency to get trapped in local optima when solving complex optimization problems. To enhance algorithm performance, this paper proposes an enhanced Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (MESBOA) based on a precise elimination mechanism and boundary control. The algorithm integrates three key strategies: a precise population elimination strategy, which optimizes the population structure by eliminating individuals with low fitness and intelligently generating new ones; a lens imaging-based opposition learning strategy, which expands the exploration of the solution space through reflection and scaling to reduce the risk of local optima; and a boundary control strategy based on the best individual, which effectively constrains the search range to avoid inefficient searches and premature convergence. Experimental validation shows that on 23 benchmark functions and the CEC2022 test suite, MESBOA significantly outperforms the original Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA) and other comparative algorithms (such as GWO, WOA, PSO, etc.) in terms of convergence speed, solution accuracy, and stability. Taking low-light image enhancement as an application case, MESBOA performs better in metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) by optimizing the parameters of the normalized incomplete Beta function, verifying its effectiveness in practical problems. The research indicates that MESBOA provides an efficient solution for complex optimization tasks and has the potential to be promoted and applied in multiple fields.