Yomi Ninja v0.5.0

Hello everyone! I am excited to announce a new early release - YomiNinja 0.5.0.
Version 0.5.0 introduces OCR Templates, Extensions Manager, and other enhancements for better usability.

Summary

• OCR Templates
• Chrome Extensions Management
• New Settings Options
• Linux Packages

Download Yomi Ninja v0.5.0

OCR Templates

With the introduction of OCR templates, you can manually define specific screen regions for OCR processing. This feature reduces workload and improves performance. Create dedicated templates for various scenarios, such as mapping dialogues in different games.

Note: Reducing the scanned area might limit the context given to the OCR engine, potentially affecting text boundary detection accuracy.

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Steps to Create an OCR Template

First, ensure the desired capture source is selected, as it determines the template's dimensions and background image.

1. Navigate to the OCR Templates tab,
2. Click on "New Template", provide a name, and activate the OCR hotkey.
3. Click on "Save".

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4. Once saved, the template will auto-load. Define regions by drawing rectangles with the mouse.
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When using the OCR hotkey, only the defined regions will be scanned.
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To revert to the standard mode, click the "X" button next to the template name.
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I have plans for further enhancements, such as template exporting for sharing, auto-loading templates based on the captured window, switching templates via hotkeys, and overall usability improvements. Additionally, this feature is crucial for the upcoming Auto OCR functionality.

Chrome Extensions Management

Now you can install other Chrome extensions. While not all extensions are currently compatible, Google Translate works well, and Inkah, a Chinese and Korean popup dictionary, functions with minor compromises. Unfortunately, Yomichan and its forks like Yomitan aren't functional yet.

To install an extension, provide a zip file, downloadable via the extension CRX Extractor/Downloader or from the website chrome-stats.com. Due to current limitations in the Electron framework's extension support, many extensions might not work. However, as the framework development advances, YomiNinja may support a broader range of extensions.

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Google Translate - Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Japanese)


Inkah - Persona 5 Royal (Simplified Chinese)

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Some extension-related issues can be resolved by refreshing the application UI. Thus, I've added a refresh button. For instance, Inkah has an activation switch, but it becomes effective only after a UI refresh.

New Settings Options

Previously, YomiNinja primarily displayed the Yomichan window. Now, by specifying a window title, you can use YomiNinja with other pop-up dictionaries, such as Yomitan.

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For games that hide the mouse cursor, YomiNinja now supports a custom cursor. This ensures dictionary look-ups, even when the original cursor is obscured. If a game locks the cursor, the hotkey [Alt + S] functions well. For those using PrintScreen, press the hotkey [Alt + C] immediately after to unlock the cursor. Refer to this GitHub issue (v0.3.1) for more context.
Lastly, the font scaling for extracted text has been refined, accompanied by a new font size adjustment option.

Linux Packages

Due to issues with the AppImage format, YomiNinja downloads dictionaries every time the app launches. Consequently, I recommend avoiding the use of AppImage until a proper fix is implemented. Instead, consider using the deb, rpm, and pacman formats, which offer greater stability. Version 0.5.0 was tested on Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 39, and EndeavourOS Galileo 11-2023.

Upcoming Features

Based on the tied poll results for the next OCR engine, I'll be integrating both engines. However, Manga OCR integration is taking a bit longer, so Google's engine will be the first to be integrated.

For Linux users, while Wayland currently lacks global shortcuts and window positioning, the Auto OCR feature could make YomiNinja more usable with Wayland. Unlike other functionalities, Auto OCR doesn't rely on global shortcuts, potentially making it a viable option for Wayland users.
Mac OS support is also planned and will be prioritized based on feedback and demand.

Stay tuned for an exclusive poll for early access tier members to decide on feature priorities.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all supporters and those who've shared their feedback! Your support is invaluable, and I deeply appreciate each one of you.