A Novel Semi-Supervised Learning Method Using Self-Adaptive Threshold for UAV Recognition

Deep learning-based recognition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has become a critical tool for enhancing UAV control through improved accuracy and efficiency. However, the practical deployment of these systems is often hampered by the costly acquisition and scarcity of annotated data, which challenges the generalizability of the models. To address this bottleneck, our study employs semi-supervised (SS) learning strategies to exploit the untapped potential of unlabeled data effectively. We introduce a novel semi-supervised approach for UAV recognition that utilizes a self-adaptive threshold mechanism. This technique features Self-adaptive Threshold (SAT) and Self-adaptive Fairness (SAF) mechanisms, designed to dynamically optimize threshold values and guarantee a balanced distribution of labels among various classes. Our method is rigorously evaluated against a comprehensive, open-source UAV dataset. The findings indicate that our semi-supervised model significantly outperforms existing supervised learning models, static threshold SS approaches, and generative models, especially in scenarios with a limited amount of labeled data. These results underscore the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing the practicality and applicability of UAV recognition systems.