Development of a simulator to emulate the accelerometer data in order to evaluate Shot Counter performances

Abstract

The FN SmartCore device is an innovative electronic shot counter accessory designed for firearms manufactured by FN Herstal. Distributed worldwide, the FN SmartCore aims to provide accurate monitoring of firearm usage. Traditionally, verifying the functionality of such devices in real-time required conducting live fire tests. These tests, while effective, are not only time-consuming and costly but also carry inherent safety risks.

In response to these challenges, a novel testing bench was developed. This bench is engineered to bypass the need for actual gunfire by allowing the transfer of pre-recorded data directly to the FN SmartCore. It achieves this by replacing the accelerometer found on the FN SmartCore’s printed circuit board, which is critical for detecting the firearm's discharge. This setup simulates firing events without the need for real ammunition, thereby improving safety and efficiency. The key advantage is that the firing is simulated with all its real-time characteristics, ensuring that the Smartcore's performance is evaluated under conditions that closely mimic actual use.

Initially, this testing bench utilized an FPGA-based electronic solution to emulate the accelerometer's functions. This system facilitated seamless communication between the FN SmartCore and a connected PC, allowing for the efficient transmission of simulated data. However, the initial version of the test bench revealed areas requiring improvements, particularly in its hardware configuration and software capabilities.

This master thesis significantly contributes to the existing body of work by addressing the limitations of the initial test bench and introducing several key improvements:

- Improved automation: Developed a comprehensive software solution to automate the process of sending a series of simulated shot curve data to the FN SmartCore. This not only streamlined the testing process but also integrated DevOps practices to ensure continuous integration and delivery.

- FPGA upgrades: Made critical improvements to the FPGA implementation to ensure more accurate and reliable simulation of shot detection. These upgrades improved the overall performance and reliability of the test bench.

- Integration with continuous integration (CI) pipelines: Implemented CI pipelines using Microsoft Azure to automate and streamline the testing and deployment process, ensuring that any changes to the system could be tested and deployed efficiently.

These contributions have significantly improved the efficiency, safety, and reliability of testing the FN SmartCore devices, providing a robust solution that reduces the need for live fire testing and improves the overall user experience.