Image-Based Automation with Python - creating a Python automation script that interacts with the Money Tree game on Poki

Image-Based Automation with Python: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In today's digital age, automation is revolutionizing how we perform tasks, both in everyday life and within specific applications like games. By automating repetitive tasks, we can save time, reduce human error, and enhance productivity. One of the most accessible and powerful ways to implement automation is through Python — a programming language known for its simplicity and versatility.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Python can be used for image-based automation with the help of PyAutoGUI, a popular Python library. Specifically, we’ll focus on automating a simple game — Idle Money Tree — available on Poki. The goal is to detect and click on the falling money within the game using image recognition, simulating a click as soon as the money appears on the screen.

What is Automation Technology?

Automation technology refers to using software to perform tasks that would otherwise require human intervention. From everyday administrative tasks to highly complex operations in industries like manufacturing and healthcare, automation enhances efficiency, minimizes human errors, and often leads to cost savings.

For software and game automation, Python is a go-to tool. With libraries like PyAutoGUI and OpenCV, you can automate interactions with applications by detecting visual elements and performing actions based on their location.

Key Points to Know About Image-Based Automation

• What is Image-Based Automation? Image-based automation involves detecting and interacting with specific images or visual elements on a screen, often when no other method (like APIs) is available. It uses image matching techniques to locate buttons, icons, or objects on the screen and automates actions like clicking or typing.
• How Does It Work? The automation process works by comparing a reference image (e.g., a screenshot of the target button) with the pixels on the screen. If a match is found, the automation script can take action, such as moving the mouse to the target location and clicking on it.
• Why Use Python for Automation? Python's ease of use, powerful libraries, and widespread community support make it an excellent choice for automating tasks. Libraries like PyAutoGUI allow you to control the mouse and keyboard, while OpenCV helps with image processing and recognition.

Real-Life Uses of Image-Based Automation

• Automating Repetitive Tasks: Whether it’s logging into websites, submitting forms, or clicking buttons in applications, image-based automation can save hours of manual labor.
• Game Automation: Automating in-game tasks, like collecting resources or performing repetitive actions, can help players progress more efficiently.
• Software Testing: Developers use automation to simulate user interactions and test UI elements across multiple platforms.
• Data Entry: Automatically filling in data across different platforms or applications can save time, especially in large-scale operations.

Our Aim in This Blog

The primary goal of this blog is to walk you through creating a Python automation script that interacts with the Money Tree game on Poki. We will use image-based automation to detect when money is falling from the tree and simulate a click to collect it.

This tutorial will not only introduce you to the concept of image-based automation but also give you a practical example of applying it to a game. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand how to automate simple in-game tasks, saving you time and boosting your game progression. Whether you’re automating gameplay or looking to automate other tasks, this guide will provide you with the essential tools to get started.

What Are We Going to Build?

We will build a Python script that:

• Opens the browser and navigates to the Money Tree game.
• Waits for 6 seconds to allow the game to load.
• Detects when money falls from the tree by recognizing images of the money on the screen.
• Clicks the money to collect it, automating the process.

Tools We Need

• Python – The programming language we'll use to write the automation script.
• PyAutoGUI – A library for controlling the mouse and keyboard and performing GUI automation tasks.
• Webbrowser – A Python module to open the browser automatically and navigate to the game.
• OpenCV (Optional) – A powerful library for computer vision tasks, which we will use for image recognition.
• Time – A built-in Python module to introduce delays, allowing the game to load before interaction.

The Source Code and Breakdown

Let’s now dive into the source code, where we’ll:

• Open the browser.
• Wait for 6 seconds.
• Search for the money image on the screen.
• Click the money automatically when it’s found.

CLICK HERE FOR SOURCE CODE

Conclusion

Image-based automation is a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks, whether it's in software applications, web browsing, or even games. By leveraging Python and libraries like PyAutoGUI, you can automate interactions with applications that rely on visual elements, making your workflows more efficient and effective.

In this blog, we walked through a practical example of automating a simple game, Idle Money Tree, using image detection to simulate clicks. With this knowledge, you can expand your automation skills to a wide range of use cases, from gaming to software testing and beyond.

So, next time you want to automate collecting money or any other task, remember that Python has you covered. Happy automating! 🚀

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