OCR = 0nline P0ken 0pticaL Chanacter Recogrition

I've used tesseract before although not for anything poker related-- but I have wondered whether typical OCR would be up to the online poker challenge. The small x-size of on-screen fonts taxes a lot of OCR apps which expect to be going off a fairly high DPI image, at least, that's what I've gleaned from the theory I've read.

Still interesting to see it actually done, even just in proof-of-proof-of-concept form. Thanks for the food for thought.

There appear to be 4 errors. It has incorretly read rdegs21 as rdegs2l (replacing the 1 with an a lowercase L). But then that was not your point...

"Marblecake also the game."

Lol. Awesome.

@Anonymous 1: That's an excellent point. In fact I tested the above sample image with tesseract and got back either gibberish or empty text. There's a note on this somewhere in the tesseract docs. However, tesseract can be trained and, if push comes to shove, you can tweak the code directly.

@Anonymous 2: Nice catch. I missed that.

One advantage of OCR is that you can run poker in a virtual machine, with literally zero detectability (other than it may know it's in a VM)

And even if the poker client knows it's running in a VM, it probably won't matter. VMs will become (probably already are) too widespread for the sites to declare that Thou Shalt Not Run Our Software in a VM. Windows 7 will let you peel off XP instances out of the box. A lot of people on the Mac/Linux side wouldn't be able to play at all were it not for VMs. But who knows...

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001258.html

One wonders whether the online poker sites should just offer a formal API with per-developer license keys. Legit tools could go directly through the API. Poker bots would be left out in the cold but at least there'd be a formal mechanism for the 'real-time strategy assists' as you call them, that are not blocked by EULA.

Just an idea...

I have Microsoft 2003 and 2007 but for some reason, Microsoft Document Imaging isn't installed. Any ideas? I'd rather not go through getting tessnet up and running. Looks pretty hairy.

Some discussion on the OCR topic: http://www.pokerai.org/pf3/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=1682

another, bad, mistake is the name of xfactr 21, which is read to be xactr21, without the f.

I used to use a diy OCR via pixel reading but reading fonts is a major pain in the ass for a lot of sites due to fuzzy fonts. Someone once suggested that DirectX could be manipulated to disable all the fancy stuff but i never did find out how. Perhaps someone out there knows...

And i'm glad that Linux (and Mac) was mentioned because not everyone uses Windows. Downside is that the list of poker clients is very limited, although web browser clients are becoming more common now. I have managed to get the Entraction (Java Applet) clients to run as a native app on my Ubuntu Linux box with a simple launch script. Main reason for doing that is to enable the saving of Hand History files (which an Applet can't due to security restrictions). The script and source code can be downloaded from my website: http://bespokebots.com/linux.php.

@Indiana: Thanks for the link to that excellent discussion. I've updated the post to include it.

@birchy: So true. DirectX can be manipulated via hooking if nothing else, but most of the sites are using plain vanilla GDI. On the Windows side of things anyhow. Either that or they're using pixel/bitmap fonts and they have some custom logic to blit those to the screen (still, via the GDI). Both ways present problems. If they use formal text-output APIs, the font's appearance can and will vary slightly. But those APIs can be hooked. On the other hand if they draw text by blitting an [i]image[/i] of text, then you can't necessarily hook a public API and extract the text. But in that case the fonts are static/unchanging, making a pixel-test DIY OCR more feasible.

But James I think your point was correct, and it seems indicated in the pokerai discussion as well, that if you train a robust OCR to a specific font, you can get a 100% success rate. The question is whether that's less work than doing a pixel-test method.

I'm going to have to call bullshit on this one. Nobody is actually going to use some godforsaken "pixel-test" method to read text. If they can't get the text directly from whatever window displays it, then it's easy: they can't run a bot.

Period.

Remember, the people who build poker bots aren't qualified software developers. They're Internet script-kiddies trying to get rich quick.

???

I only see one pile of bullshit here: [quote="Guido on 6/1/2009 4:16:12 AM"]I'm going to have to call bullshit on this one. Nobody is actually going to use some godforsaken "pixel-test" method to read text. If they can't get the text directly from whatever window displays it, then it's easy: they can't run a bot.

Period.

Remember, the people who build poker bots aren't qualified software developers. They're Internet script-kiddies trying to get rich quick.[/quote]

Although screen scraping is a last resort tactic, it DOES work. Most of the commercial odds calculators and live advisors use screen scraping methods. Even well known names like Winholdem, OpenHoldem and Calculatem use screen scraping. Most so-called "script kiddies" are able to create working bots. If they are as unprofessional as you claim, then a flood of highly predictable bots can only be good for the rest of us...

@Guido: Have to agree with @birchy here.

Online poker botters, far from being "script kiddies", are some of the most tenacious and creative developers you'll ever meet. If corporate code was developed with the same level of just sheer outright...[i]obsession[/i]...I think a lot more companies would achieve profitability.

And OCR (including DIY pixel-testing) is more common than you think among the poker botting crowd. The "script kiddy" metaphor breaks down when it comes to online poker, because of the rewards involved.

Has anybody published source code for a simple pixel-testing method? I don't want to OCR, I just want to look at the individual pixels. I've seen this mentioned various places but there's usually not source code to go with it.

Any ideas?

You mentioned getting a snapshot of a minimised window. Got a link on how that's done? Currently I'm using SwitchToThisWindow and waiting for it to come to the front, which takes an unacceptable amount of time. Thanks.

Theres an article on capturing a minimized window here: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/CapturingMinimizedWindow.aspx?display=Print I dont know how good/fast it is though, havent needed to try it.

Anonymous: If you just want a simple pixel-testing method, you could just use a 32-bit CRC checksum of the pixel, window square, et.c, that you wish to test for. You would have to map each card to its own CRC checksum (precomputed) value. This is not the most robust way of doing it because a CRC will not tolerate a single bit change in the pixels that you check, i.e. it is an exact testing method. If only one color is changed (compared to the image you computed the checksum from in the first place) in the pixel window you are testing for, you will most likely end up with a completely different checksum value.

Check google for the CRC checksum algorithm, there should be source samples out there...

stalewee, there are many other ways which you can do that.

Have a look at experts-exchange.com

Frode - errr. or you could just get a DC, and use GetPixel.

I test a single pixel to get card rank (2 color tests, one each for black and red), and one for card suite (again one color test for black and red), on AP - But that's probably just the way the anti-aliasing worked out in my favor.

Slightly off topic, since this is an 0ptical chanacter recogrition post. Fortunately for me AP does run drawtext to put text to screen, and the chatbox is pretty much a standard RTF text box. AP isn't gungho-psycho about demolishing third party software development - which is why I won't touch PS. If they change to something more complicated/tricky, me and my little poker calculator are probably shit-outta-luck T_T

@stalewee:

There are various ways to do this (snapshot a minimized window). You can Google for most of these. The most interesting is probably [url=http://www.fengyuan.com/article/wmprint.html]Feng Yuan's method of BeginPaint hooking[/url] but it's a little out of date. Stay tuned for some code/examples re: how to do this cleanly.

@aw:

I agree and I think Poker Stars has actually gone a little overboard. They've made various updates which have alienated builders of "legitimate" tools even while failing to prohibit poker botters.

Of course, [url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/feb/26/robots-poker]poker botting is neither illegal nor unethical nor cheating[/url], and even if it were, prohibition still wouldn't really work.

Fascinating stuff James.

@ Guido. I think your response is a fairly poorly developed one. Creating bots for anything is highly technical and that goes for poker bots too. It doesn't just involve a few spotty kids trying to earn some money, there's some really great computer science involved here.

Ultimately you could stick a camera in front of the screen and interpret the video image, generate mouse movements and key presses electronically. I remember seeing a project where a guy had a tetris playing bot using these techniques. Let them try and detect that..........

You really don't think it's unethical to use bots or artificial intelligence to make calculated decisions against other poker and casino depositors?

When the local casinos in Vegas allow me to sit my robot down against the humans at live games then I will agree with you.

@Ukash: No more unethical than, say, trying to harvest affiliate revenue by commenting on a poker-botting blog with a link to your affiliate site. Poker bots don't have any information beyond what a normal player would have. If poker bots were hacking the servers or colluding, that would be one thing, but a bot that has to go off the same information given to the human player? That's not cheating. It might be against Terms of Service, but it's far from cheating.

Great articles, James! I have question for you. Did you make onboard cards recognition on Poker Stars? I made simple recognition by capturing and recognizing card images from window, and it works like shit.

aw - I meant calculating the CRC of all the pixels in a fixed size window area the cards are displayed (only the upper left corner that displays As, 2h and so on.) I don't think I was making my self very clear on that point. I do agree however, that this is a very naive approach, but if the client doesnt change the card bitmaps, it should work.

Hey, what is the name of OCR program used on a first picture? And is it detectable?

Nice article. I'll have to look into it. I currently capture the whole screen and hash screen regions against stored images to get the current table state.

in my opinion there is a problem using OCRs: how to know, the new OCR scan, if the chat lines was pre-existent or not?

True line: Dealer: Johnny34 folds

First OCR: Dealer: Jobnny34 folds Second OCR: Dealer: Johnni34 folds

If I compare the two rows for my code them are different... I register a fold that in real play there is not....

I have developed the same thing but not using windows ocr but faster way by just comparing letters to its match (all fields are same font). If anyone is interested mail me semmimuzespsat(at)email.cz - I have c# code and it could work in real time with added evaluations and statistics.

I have developed the same thing but not using windows ocr but faster way by just comparing letters to its match (all fields are same font). If anyone is interested mail me semmimuzespsat(at)email.cz - I have c# code and it could work in real time with added evaluations and statistics.

nice article. keep post like this...

Your post is really informative for me. I liked it very much. Keep sharing such important posts..

PerformingGraham for sale that will create a one-wayswiss watches backlink to your website whichMaurice Lacroix watches is a good point to have. It is Patek Philippe watchesa time-consuming Tag Heuer for saleprocess even though it produces good outcomes U-boat for saleand works. You can also swiss watchespost comments on blogs alongMaurice Lacroix watches together with your link, but make sureGraham watches these blogs are do-follow, which dolce & gabbana handbagsindicates the link that youreplica coach handbags simply post will probably be replica handbagscounted by the search engines jimmy choo replicaas a backlink.There are many thingsversace replica handbags that contribute to online businessjuicy couture replica failure, and the lack of good action thomas wyldeis surely one of the deadliest business-killersdolce gabbana handbags on the net. Take action like by no means chloe handbags replicaprior to, and don’t get struck by analysis paralysisburberry replica. Your achievement lies in your rapid actionchanel replica and how well you apply numerous strategies.

nike air jordan 2010 nike air jordan 5 nike air jordan 3 nike air jordan 11 cheap nike air jordan 2 nike air jordan 1 nike air jordan shoes discount nike air jordan shoes nike air jordan 6 wholesale nike air jordan 1 discount nike air jordan 6 nike air jordan 7 nike air jordan 8 top quality nike air jordan shoes 23 nike air jordan 21 nike air jordan 22 nike air jordan 6 rings cheap nike air jordan 22 nike air lebron james shoes nike air lebron james shoes nike air jordan 2010 nike air joredan lebron james nike air jordan 2009 discount nike air jordan 2009 nike lebron james wholesale nike air jordan 2010 cheap nike air jordan 2009 discount nike air jordan 19 cheap nike air jordan 3 discount nike air jordan 18 brand nike air jordan 12 wholesale nike air jordan 2 nike air jordan 13 nike air jordan 14 nike air jordan 6 rings discount jordan shoes7 discount jordan shoes1 jordan shoes2010 jordan shoes 6 rings cheap jordan shoes2 discountjordan shoes3 discount jordan shoes4 jordan shoes uk23 jordan shoes classic bw22 cheap jordan shoes 21 ltd discount jordan shoes20 discountjordan shoes19 jordan shoes 18 uk nike air jordan shoes 17 cheap nike air jordan shoes 16 discount air jordan shoes 15 discount air jordan shoes 14 nike air jordan shoes 3 uk nike air jordan shoes 13 cheap nike air jordan shoes 11 discount air jordan shoes 6 discount jordan shoes 10 nike air jordan shoes 8 nike air jordan shoes 7 cheap louis vuitton bags cheap kobe bryant shoes cheap lebron james shoes .

I will keep visiting this blog very often. Blu ray ripper /

coach outlet coach outlet online coach outlet store coach bags on sale coach factory outlet coach handbags This article is written by zocy002 on 2010-7-26 on New Coach Handbags

The variety links of london items bearing depends on the occasion. You are plain, but you are elegant. links of London sweetie braceletIf presence a groove, especially nightfall outfit, you are allowed to be very gentle in truth. What you should do is to links of london charms choose some delicate sweetie bracelets with your subtle sensation of fashion on Christmas Day, Easter, Halloween and Valentines Day. Discovering links of London friendship bracelet on the net is an excellent choice for your needs and can also assure you may benefit from the best insurance coverage at the best price tag. The links of London braceletis one kind of those brands that basically level the start a time honored design and style and design untreated. links of london necklace and links of london earringswill be the consultant of level and higher personal taste; so many people contain the hopes for donning links of London sweetie bracelets. Nevertheless, in the large price, so most of us cannot pay the big money. links of London friendship bracelets charm bracelets links of london sale charm bracelet silver friendship bracelets links of london charm bracelet

ed hardy, cheap ed hardy, ed hardy clothing, ed hardy outlet, ed hardy jeans, ed hardy bags, ed hardy swimwear, ed hardy shirts, ed hardy tee, ed hardy caps, ed hardy purse, ed hardy board shorts, ed hardy shoes, ed hardy for men, ed hardy for women, ed hardy jeans for women.

ed hardy, cheap ed hardy, ed hardy clothing, ed hardy outlet, ed hardy jeans, ed hardy bags, ed hardy swimwear, ed hardy shirts, ed hardy tee, ed hardy caps, ed hardy purse, ed hardy board shorts, ed hardy shoes, ed hardy for men, ed hardy for women, ed hardy jeans for women.

The Best Louis vuitton Millionaire Replica Sunglasses The best inspired version of the Louis vuitton store to date! The 'Millionaire Luxe' features

High Quality Louis vuitton wallets, Louis vuitton Replica wallets lowest price. Wholesale price 35% - 75% off.3-7 Day Louis vuitton damier shipping, Free shipping now.

Just how do you tell a best Louis vuitton online store from the real thing? ... getting the perfect back-to-school outfit, we've got you covered with the best tips.

Best Deals From Louis Vuitton Purses Collection Guranteed !! Louis Vuitton - I would have to admit that at first I wasn't

really sure how to pronounce ...

Topreplicashop retail and wholesale Louis Vuitton outlet, Key Chains, Cufflinks,

Accessories, ...

Louis Vuitton is no more a luxury if you find www.sale4louisvuitton.com, the best online source of top quality mirror image

wallets.html" tItlE="Louis Vuitton wallets">Louis Vuitton wallets, ...

Share your knowledge to continue a timeless tradition;

Life will change what you are but not who you are;

Marry a person who likes talking; because when you get old, you’ll find that chatting to be a great advantage

Live a noble and honest life. Reviving past times in your old age will help you to enjoy your life again;

I like your article. Will always support you!He is quite a good reading. i'd appreciate it. time to realize his.

In your article I found very different things. Very characteristic. I've never seen before.Thank you very much the share. you are very creative.

Your article is very appealing to me.I like this article, this article that i learned a lot of knowledge.

You have a unique perspective.Thank you for sharing. it is wonderful super classic. I admire you.

Pool Temperature Madera Jobs Madera Pest Control Madera Dentist Merced Dentist Visalia Dentist Modesto Dentist Fresno Limousine Fresno Granite briefcases leather leather briefcases prospect solution | prospect solutions | prospectsolution | prospectsolutions | prospectsolution.com prospect solution | prospect solutions | prospectsolution | prospectsolutions | prospectsolution.com prospect solution | prospect solutions | prospectsolution | prospectsolutions | prospectsolution.com

Choosing the right tiffany jewelry accessory will turn an ordinary outfit into a fashion statement before you buy it from one mall or others, you can budget from our mall; christian louboutin as being beautiful and making us feel sexy Italian research has shown that a good pair of heels can help tone the body, condition muscles and improve the wearer's sex life, buy it please click the link; Look for ed hardy clothing, just click the link and you will have a great surprise; Finding beautiful cartier jewelry as gifts, we provide different styles for your reference; Choose the different links of london jewellery from our site, enjoy free and fast shopping worldwide; If you plan on shopping for NFL jerseys, you can purchase nfl jerseys online at our mall. We will do our best to serve for you. Welcome you！

essay essay writing essay writing service essay writing service uk

Replica miu miu handbags are not just beautiful and elegant, but it is also at excellent quality and similar design as the real. You will like it once you see it. Now attention please, at our shop, we are holding a promotion. You can buy replica miu miu bags of high quality with the lowest price. Meanwhile, miu miu handbags buying from here you can enjoy free and fast delivery shipping. Welcome to our shop!

Want to get Ed hardy at home? No hesitation, get them at with big discount. We are promise you that all the ed hardy clothing are good in qualities. Meanwhile, buying ed hardy clothing online, that’s never a bad idea. By the way, whenever and wherever you need us, we will be there for you. Ed Hardy T-Shirts are waiting for you now, welcome you!