Setup Guide (Linux)

Ensure that your system has the correct permissions and dependencies before running the application.

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🔧 Requirements

• A Linux-based operating system
• Python 3.x installed
• pip (Python package installer)
• Access to hardware ports (e.g., serial ports)

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🔐 Step 1: Check Serial Port Permissions

To use serial ports, your user account must belong to the dialout group.

1. Open a terminal and run:

   groups

2. If dialout is not listed in the output, add your user to the group:

   sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER

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🔁 Step 2: Restart Your Computer

After modifying group memberships, a system restart is required to apply the changes.

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📦 Step 3: Install Project Dependencies

Navigate to your project directory and install the required Python packages:

pip install -r requirements.txt

This will install all dependencies listed in requirements.txt.

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🚀 Step 4: Run the Application

Once everything is set up, execute your Python script:

python car_entry.py

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✅ You're Ready!

Your environment should now be properly configured to run the application.

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💳 Payment System

The parking management system uses RFID cards for payment processing.

Payment Details

• Rate: 200 RWF per hour (minimum 1 hour)
• Payment Method: RFID cards linked to license plates
• Balance Storage: Each RFID card stores both the license plate number and available balance

Topping Up RFID Cards

To add funds to an RFID card:

# Navigate to the topup directory
cd payment/topup

# Upload the topup.ino sketch to your Arduino
# Then run the serial monitor to interact with the system

The topup system will:

1. Prompt you to place an RFID card
2. Ask for a license plate number (7 characters max)
3. Request the balance amount to add to the card

Processing Payments

When a vehicle exits the parking:

# Navigate to the payment directory
cd payment

# Run the payment processing script
python process_payment.py

The payment process:

1. Reads the RFID card associated with the vehicle
2. Calculates parking duration and amount due
3. Verifies sufficient balance on the card
4. Deducts the payment and updates the card balance
5. Updates payment status in the system database

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