User Manual: Tambola Ticket Generator
Overview
The Tambola Ticket Generator is a web-based tool for generating printable Tambola (also known as Bingo or Housie) tickets. It uses JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to create a specified number of tickets, each containing a unique combination of numbers for the game. The generator is easy to use and allows you to print tickets in bulk. This manual explains the key components, instructions for use, and tips for generating tickets efficiently.
Components
1. HTML Structure: The HTML code defines the structure of the page, including input fields, buttons, and containers for ticket generation.
2. CSS Styling: Styles the tickets, tables, and layout for both on-screen display and print.
3. JavaScript Functions: Controls the ticket generation logic, including random number selection, ticket layout, and print functionality.
You can check the code at below.
Getting Started
Requirements
To use this Tambola Ticket Generator, all you need is a web browser with JavaScript enabled. No special software or technical knowledge is necessary.
Page Layout
The page is divided into two main sections:
1. Controls Section: Contains inputs for specifying the number of tickets to generate, as well as buttons for ticket generation and printing.
2. Tickets Display Section: Displays generated tickets on the screen.
Instructions for Use
Step 1: Open the Webpage
Simply open the HTML file in a web browser to access the Tambola Ticket Generator interface.
Step 2: Enter the Number of Tickets
- Locate the input field labeled "Enter the number of tickets".
- Input the desired number of tickets you want to generate. For optimal performance, it is recommended to keep the count below 1000.
Step 3: Generate Tickets
- Click the "Generate Tickets" button.
- The tool will generate the specified number of tickets and display them in the Tickets Display Section.
Step 4: Print Tickets
- After the tickets are generated, click the "Print Tickets" button.
- The print preview will appear, showing a layout optimized for printing on A4 paper.
- Press "Print" to create physical copies of the tickets.
Ticket Structure and Number Generation Logic
Each Tambola ticket follows a specific structure to ensure compliance with traditional game rules.
1. Grid Layout: Each ticket has a 3x9 grid, where:
- Each row has 9 cells.
- Only 5 of these cells in each row contain numbers, while the others are blank.
2. Column Constraints: The ticket follows the Tambola number distribution rule:
- Numbers in the first column range from 1 to 9.
- Numbers in the second column range from 10 to 19, and so on.
- The last column contains numbers from 80 to 90.
3. Unique Number Selection:
- Each column on a ticket contains unique numbers within the defined range.
- A function generates these unique numbers for each column, ensuring that each ticket has a unique configuration.
JavaScript Functions Explained
1. generateTickets()
- This function is triggered when the "Generate Tickets" button is clicked.
- It retrieves the user-specified ticket count, clears any previously generated tickets, and creates new ones by calling the `createTicket()` function.
2. createTicket()
- This function constructs a single ticket based on the 3x9 grid structure.
- It uses the `generateColumnNumbers()` function to obtain unique numbers for each column.
- After determining which cells in each row will contain numbers, it populates those cells and leaves the others blank.
3. generateColumnNumbers()
- Generates an array of numbers for each of the 9 columns, following the specified ranges.
- Each column array is populated with three unique numbers using `generateUniqueNumbers()`.
4. generateUniqueNumbers()
- Generates a set of unique random numbers within a given range, ensuring there are no duplicate numbers in any column.
5. getRandomColumns()
- This function randomly selects 5 columns for each row to place numbers, ensuring an even distribution of numbers across the ticket.
Customizing the Generator
If you are comfortable with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can customize the generator to suit specific needs. Here are a few ways you might consider modifying it:
1. Change Ticket Layout: Modify the `.ticket` and `table` styles in the `<style>` section to adjust ticket size, colors, and spacing.
2. Adjust Ticket Counts: Increase the recommended ticket limit by optimizing the JavaScript functions or running the code on a high-performance browser.
3. Customize Print Layout: Adjust the `@media print` CSS rules to control how many tickets fit on each printed page.
Performance Tips
Generating a large number of tickets may slow down your browser. To improve performance, consider the following tips:
- Keep Ticket Count Low: For best results, generate batches of tickets under 500 to avoid lag.
- Clear Old Tickets: If generating a new set, clear the previous tickets by refreshing the page or simply using the Generate Tickets button.
- Use a Modern Browser: Browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge will handle JavaScript code efficiently.
Printing Recommendations
1. Paper Size: The CSS `@page` rule is configured for A4 paper. If using a different size, adjust the CSS to fit your needs.
2. Page Margins: The print layout has a margin of 20mm for optimal ticket readability. Adjust if needed in the `@page` CSS block.
3. Test Print: Print a single page as a test to ensure the layout meets your expectations.
Troubleshooting
- No Tickets Are Displayed: Ensure you’ve entered a valid number in the input field and that your browser allows JavaScript execution.
- Performance Issues: If the page freezes when generating tickets, reduce the ticket count and reload the page.
- Number Duplicates: The code is designed to prevent duplicate numbers within each column, so duplicates should not appear. If they do, check for browser compatibility or try refreshing the page.
Conclusion
The Tambola Ticket Generator is a practical tool for anyone looking to create Tambola tickets quickly and efficiently. With an intuitive interface, responsive design, and the ability to print directly from the browser, this generator streamlines ticket creation, making it ideal for organizers and players alike.