Optimized deep learning model for mango grading: Hybridizing lion plus firefly algorithm

This paper intends to present an automated mango grading system under four stages (1) pre‐processing, (2) feature extraction, (3) optimal feature selection and (4) classification. Initially, the input image is subjected to the pre‐processing phase, where the reading, sizing, noise removal and segmentation process happens. Subsequently, the features are extracted from the pre‐processed image. To make the system more effective, from the extracted features, the optimal features are selected using a new hybrid optimization algorithm termed the lion assisted firefly algorithm (LA‐FF), which is the combination of LA and FF, respectively. Then, the optimal features are given for the classification process, where the optimized deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is deployed. As a major contribution, the configuration of CNN is fine‐tuned via selecting the optimal count of convolutional layers. This obviously enhances the classification accuracy in grading system. For fine‐tuning the convolutional layers in the deep CNN, the LA‐FF algorithm is used so that the classifier is optimized. The grading is evaluated on the basis of healthydiseased, ripeunripe and bigmediumvery big cases with respect to type I and type II measures and the performance of the proposed grading model is compared over the other state‐of‐the‐art models.