WO2025229418A1

WO2025229418A1 - Test system and analysis method for a shot cloud of pellets

Info

Publication number: WO2025229418A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/052662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano MORZENTI; Michele ZAMBRUNI; Giacomo Ziliani
Original assignee: Fabbrica dArmi Pietro Beretta SpA
Current assignee: Beretta SpA
Priority date: 2024-04-29
Filing date: 2025-03-13
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-29

Abstract

The invention is a test system (1), for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle (900). The test system (1) comprises a shooting station (2) in which a rifle (900) is positionable and a target (3), facing the shooting station (2), comprising a target face (31) damageable by the impact of the pellets of the shot cloud. The test system (1) further comprises at least one high- frequency camera (4) facing the target (3), suitable for recording a video of the impact of the shot cloud, in particular of the pellets, on the target (3). The test system (1) further comprises a control unit (5) operatively connected to the high-frequency camera (4) for receiving and analyzing the recorded video. The control unit (5) identifies an initial frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are in the initial state, a final frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are in the final state, and a plurality of intermediate frames, in which, in each intermediate frame, the target (3) and the target face (31) are in an intermediate state. Said control unit (5) compares mutually adj acent frames, identifying the position and moment of impact of each pellet with the target (3).

Description

"TEST SYSTEM AND ANALYSIS METHOD FOR A SHOT CLOUD OF

PELLETS"

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a test system for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle .

[0002] It is of outmost importance to produce and design firearms there are as precise as possible. In fact, the results of a competition-sports activity can vary as a function of the precision of the firearm.

[0003] Such a need is even more felt when using rifles, and in particular smoothbore rifles.

[0004] Such a need is even more felt when using shotshells. In fact, the shot of a shotshell results in the ejection of the plurality of pellets housed in the ammunition. The motion of said pellets, as a function of the features of the weapon, the friction with the air, and any knocks between the pellets themselves, is substantially random. Furthermore, the motion of said pellets is such that they start out compact and then spread out from the muzzle of the rifle from which they are fired.

[0005] Therefore, it is specified how said pellets create a shot cloud during their motion. Furthermore, it is specified that said pellets create a shot pattern when impacting with a target.

[0006] The precision in both the design and the production of the barrel particularly impacts the outline of the shot cloud of the pellets fired by the shot of the rifle, and thus the efficacy of the rifle. Similarly, the precision in both the design and the production of the shotshell particularly impacts the outline of the shot cloud of the pellets fired by the shot of the rifle, and thus the efficacy of the ammunition itself.

[0007] Different methods of analyzing the behavior of a rifle and/or a shotshell are known from the prior art. In particular, the known analysis methods typically focus on the impact of the pellets on a determined target, thus studying the shot pattern created by the pellets. In some more sophisticated analysis methods, said targets are bulky, i.e., provided with a specific thickness, and the position of the pellets is analyzed inside said volume, even with respect to said thickness.

[0008] In other words, in the prior art, the analysis of the behavior of the rifle and/or shotshell only focuses on two-dimensional data related to the shot pattern .

[0009] In light of the above, it is apparent that said analysis is substantially partial focusing on the shot pattern created by the pellets and not on the cloud created by the pellets.

[00010] Therefore, in order to improve the performance of the rifle and/or shotshell, the need is deeply felt to provide a test system and analysis method which overcome the above problems by suggesting an analysis that is as thorough as possible, focused on the analysis of the shot cloud of pellets.

[00011] It is the object of the present invention to provide a test system and an analysis method for solving the aforesaid need.

[00012] Such an object is achieved by the test system claimed in claim 1. Similarly, such an object is achieved by the analysis method according to claim 13. The claims dependent thereon show preferred variants implying further advantageous aspects.

[00013] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description below of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00014] - figures 1 and 1' , respectively show a schematization and a top view of said schematization of a test system according to the present invention;

[00015] - figure 2 illustratively shows by way of example an initial frame and the respective analysis thereof, and a final frame and the respective analysis thereof;

[00016] - figures 3 and 4 graphically depict the method of analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00017] With reference to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a test system for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle 900.

[00018] Preferably, said rifle 900 is of the smoothbore type.

[00019] According to the present invention, the test system 1 is suitable for housing a firearm, in particular a rifle, to perform a shooting action, and after an analysis, as described below, obtain the shot cloud of pellets produced by the rifle. [00020] Specifically, according to the object of the present invention, by virtue of the test system 1, the shot cloud of pellets produced by a rifle along the path of the various pellets is obtainable. That is, by virtue of the test system 1, a three-dimensional shot cloud is obtainable .

[00021] Similarly, by virtue of the method of analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle 900 of the present invention, a cloud of pellets produced along the path of the various pellets is obtainable. That is, by virtue of the method of analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle, a three-dimensional shot cloud is obtainable.

[00022] In other words, by means of the test system and/or by applying the method of analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle, the position over time of each pellet of the shot cloud is identifiable when it reaches a predefined distance from the muzzle. Specifically, the position over time of each pellet of the shot cloud is identifiable with reasonable precision when it reaches a predefined distance from the muzzle.

[00023] In even more words, the present invention is characterized by the presence of hardware and/or software means appropriately configured to identify the shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle.

[00024] The test system 1 extends with respect to a main axis X-X.

[00025] In fact, the test system 1 comprises a shooting station 2 in which a rifle 900 is housable.

[00026] In the shooting station 2, the rifle 900 is positioned so as to be aligned with the main axis X-X, i.e., the muzzle of the rifle 900 is parallel to the main axis X-X.

[00027] The muzzle of the rifle 900 is preferably aligned with the main axis X-X.

[00028] The test system 1 also comprises a target 3 facing the shooting station 2. In fact, said target 3 is suitable for intercepting the pellets of the shot cloud produced by the rifle.

[00029] The target 3 is positioned orthogonal to the main axis X-X. The main axis X-X is preferably positioned in the middle of the target 3.

[00030] In particular, the target 3 is positioned at a predefined axial distance with respect to the shooting station 2. [00031] Preferably, said axial distance is between 10 and 50 meters.

[00032] Preferably, said axial distance is between 20 and 40 meters.

[00033] Preferably, said axial distance is of about 30 meters .

[00034] In particular, any rifle 900 positioned in the shooting station 2 has the muzzle at the same distance with respect to the target 3.

[00035] According to a preferred embodiment, the target 3 is a planar element.

[00036] The target 3 comprises a target face 31 damageable by the impact with the pellets of the shot cloud .

[00037] According to a preferred embodiment, the target 3 is crossable by the pellets.

[00038] According to a variant, the target 3 is solid and not crossable by the pellets.

[00039] According to a preferred embodiment, the target face 31 comprises a film damageable by the impact with a pellet.

[00040] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the target face 31 comprises a film suitable for amplifying the region of impact with a pellet. That is, the target face 31 is suitable for making the impact with the pellet clear.

[00041] According to a preferred embodiment, the target 3 comprises a support sheet, e.g., made of metal, preferably made of steel.

[00042] Said film preferably comprises a main layer facing the shooting station.

[00043] Preferably, said main layer is a paint, preferably a dark-colored paint.

[00044] The main layer and the support sheet preferably have a color contrast, which becomes clear upon the impact of a pellet and breakage of the film.

[00045] According to a preferred embodiment, said film comprises a low-adhesion layer interposed between the support sheet and the main layer.

[00046] The low-adhesion layer is preferably suitable for promoting the detachment of the main layer upon the impact with a pellet, preferably amplifying the damaged region with respect to the region with which the pellet impacts .

[00047] According to a preferred embodiment, the main layer and the low-adhesion layer are different in color. [00048] According to a preferred embodiment, the support sheet on the surface in which the target face 31 is positioned is as smooth as possible so as to favor the deterioration of said target face 31 upon the impact of the pellets.

[00049] According to the present invention, the test system 1 comprises at least one high-frequency camera 4 facing the target 3 suitable for recording a video of the impact of the shot cloud of pellets on the target 3. In particular, the high-frequency camera 4 is suitable for recording a video of the impact of each pellet of the shot cloud on the target 3.

[00050] The high-frequency camera 4 is preferably parallel to the main axis X-X.

[00051] The high-frequency camera 4 is preferably positioned in a lower position with respect to the fire mouth of the rifle.

[00052] According to a preferred embodiment, the high- frequency camera 4 operates at a frequency greater than or equal to 5 kHz .

[00053] According to a preferred embodiment, the high- frequency camera 4 operates at a frequency greater than or equal to 10 kHz.

[00054] According to the present invention, the test system 1 comprises a control unit 5 operatively connected to the high-frequency camera 4 for receiving and analyzing the video recorded by the high-frequency camera 4.

[00055] According to a preferred embodiment, the test system 1 further comprises at least one high-intensity lamp 6 facing the target 3.

[00056] According to a preferred embodiment, the test system 1 comprises at least two high-intensity lamps 6 facing at 45° with respect to the target 3.

[00057] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the test system 1 comprises an electro- optical sensor 7 suitable for detecting the shot of the rifle 900, where the electro-optical sensor 7 is operatively connected to the control unit 5.

[00058] Preferably, the electro-optical sensor 7 is thus suitable for detecting the shot and switching on the high-frequency camera 4.

[00059] Specifically, the control unit 5 is suitable for performing a frame-by-frame analysis checking the state of the target 3, and in particular of the target face 31.

[00060] The control unit 5 identifies:

- an initial frame, in which the target 3 and the target face 31 are intact in the initial state; and

- a final frame, in which the target 3 and the target face 31 are damaged in the final state.

[00061] Furthermore, the control unit 5 identifies:

- a plurality of intermediate frames, where in each intermediate frame, the target 3 and the target face 31 are, in an intermediate state, partially damaged.

[00062] The number of intermediate frames is a function of the acquisition frequency.

[00063] The number of intermediate frames is a function of the length of the shot cloud.

[00064] According to the present invention, the control unit 5 compares adjacent frames and identifies the position and moment of impact of each pellet of the shot cloud with the target 3.

[00065] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 compares an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame, analyzing the presence of differences between the intermediate frame under test with the at least one previous frame and checking for the presence of said differences in the next frames.

[00066] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 compares an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame, identifying and distinguishing the differences fixed over time, actually caused by a pellet, and the differences varying over time, identifying the latter and identifying them as a disturbance.

[00067] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 compares each intermediate frame with the final frame too.

[00068] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 compares each intermediate frame with the initial frame too.

[00069] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to perform a first calibration comparing the initial frame with the final frame. Preferably, the intermediate frame is compared with the result of said comparison.

[00070] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is suitable for identifying a certain number of expected pellets and thus checking the accuracy of what has been checked for each frame.

[00071] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is suitable for identifying the last real historic event, being also capable of identifying possible errors of comparison between adjacent intermediate frames.

[00072] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is suitable for performing the detection and analysis even in the presence of a cloud of particles of the target face 31 damaged by the impact of the pellets. Specifically, by analyzing a comparative frame with respect to a multiplicity of frames, the control unit 5 is suitable for detecting and distinguishing possible errors.

[00073] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to automatically perform the frame-by-frame analysis.

[00074] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to manually perform the frame-by-frame analysis, requiring confirmation by the operator .

[00075] According to a preferred embodiment, said manual frame-by-frame analysis is carried out during the step of calibrating the test system.

[00076] As said, the present invention also relates to a method for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell 900 by a rifle.

[00077] Said method of analyzing a shot cloud of pellets can be performed by a test system 1 comprising: - a shooting station 2 in which a smoothbore rifle 900 is positionable on a main axis X-X; - a target 3 facing the shooting station 2 positioned orthogonal to the main axis X-X, where the target 3 comprises a target face 31 damageable by the impact of the pellets of the shot cloud;

- at least one high- frequency camera 4 facing the target 3 , suitable for recording a video of the impact of the shot cloud on the target 3 ;

- a control unit 5 operatively connected to the high- frequency camera 4 for receiving and analyzing the video recorded by the high- frequency camera 4 .

[ 00078 ] According to a preferred embodiment , the analysis method can be performed with a test system 1 according to the above description .

[ 00079 ] For other features and/or components of the test system 1 refer to the above detailed description .

[ 00080 ] According to the invention, said method of analyzing a shot cloud of pel lets by means of the control unit 5 comprises the steps of :

- identi fying an initial frame , in which the target 3 and the target face 31 are intact in the initial state , and a final frame , in which the target 3 and the target face 31 are damaged in the final state ;

- identi fying a plurality of intermediate frames , where in each intermediate frame , the target 3 and the target face 31 are, in an intermediate state, partially damaged;

- comparing adjacent frames, identifying the position and moment of impact of each pellet of the shot cloud with the target;

- constructing the three-dimensional shape of the shot cloud .

[00081] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the analysis method comprises the steps of:

- comparing an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame;

- carrying out said comparison first by detecting the presence of differences between the intermediate frame under test and the at least one previous frame and then by checking for the presence of said differences in the next frames.

[00082] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the analysis method comprises the steps of:

- comparing an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame, identifying and distinguishing the differences fixed over time, actually caused by a pellet, and the differences varying over time, identifying the latter and identifying them as a disturbance.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the analysis method comprises the steps of:

- performing a first calibration by comparing the initial frame with the final frame;

- comparing each intermediate frame with the result of said calibration.

[00083] According to a preferred embodiment, the analysis method comprises the steps of:

- identifying the effective amount of the shot cloud by eliminating a series of results corresponding to first pellets and therefore of intermediate frames being proximal to the initial frame and by eliminating a series of results corresponding to last pellets and therefore of intermediate frames being proximal to the final frame. [00084] Said step is preferably carried out so as to eliminate the results indicatively due to 3% of initial, or front pellets.

[00085] Said step is preferably carried out so as to eliminate the results indicatively due to 7% of final, or tail pellets.

[00086] According to a preferred embodiment, everything described (features, but especially operating modes of the control unit) with reference to the test system is also present in the analysis method.

[00087] In other words, according to the above description, each frame is analyzed by a grid search, i.e., by dividing the target with a grid and checking for any changes in each box of the grid.

[00088] Preferably, with a square target 3 of 1 meter by 1 meter, placed at a distance of thirty meters, with an acquisition frequency of 5 kHz, said grid is 1500*1500 pixels .

[00089] Preferably, with a square target 3 of 1 meter by 1 meter, placed at a distance of thirty meters, with an acquisition frequency of 10 kHz, said grid is 1000*1000 pixels.

[00090] Moreover, consider that a shotshell statistically comprises about 300 pellets.

[00091] Said pellets are ejected at about 200 meters a second.

[00092] The graph in Figure 3 summarizes and exemplifies the steps of the analysis method, distinguishing the calibration steps, the search steps, and the result checking steps.

[00093] The graph in Figure 4 summarizes and exemplifies the steps of the analysis method in more detail, distinguishing the calibration steps, the search steps and the result checking steps.

[00094] It is pointed out that, according to the present invention, the three-dimensional shot cloud is reconstructed assuming that during the time elapsed between the impact of the first pellet with the barrier and the last pellet with the barrier, there are no substantial changes in the pellet speed .

[ 00095 ] Innovatively, the test system and analysis method largely achieve the obj ect of the present invention, overcoming the typical problems of the prior art .

[ 00096 ] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method are suitable for completely reconstructing the shot cloud of a ri fle . In fact , advantageously, the test system and analysis method are suitable for three- dimensionally reconstructing the shot cloud of the pellets of a shotshell fired by a ri f le .

[ 00097 ] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method are suitable for performing a dynamic analysis , functional when using a firearm with respect to movable and possibly also fast targets , such as a clay target or a prey, for example .

[ 00098 ] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method perform a temporal analysis of what happens to the target , and in particular to the target face , thus allowing the position of each pellet in space and time to be recognized.

[00099] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method also allow collecting the information relating to the average energy of each single pellet. Advantageously, the respective flight time is calculable for each pellet, such as the difference between the impact time detected by the high-frequency camera synchronized with the electro-optical sensor.

[000100] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method are suitable for recognizing and distinguishing the presence of potential errors. Advantageously, the test system and analysis method perform a frame-by-frame analysis making comparisons with adjacent frames, in addition to the initial frame and the final frame, thus identifying errors, "disturbances", and false results.

[000101] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method, by virtue of the use thereof, return important information about the firearm, i.e., rifle, under analysis .

[000102] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method, by virtue of the use thereof, return important information about the shotshell under test.

[000103] Advantageously, the user of the firearm, i.e., of the rifle, will use it benefitting from said acquired information.

[000104] Advantageously, the sporting use of a rifle will also be the result of said information obtained by means of the test system and analysis method. For example, knowing the dynamics and outline of the shot cloud in a three-dimensional manner, the user of the firearm is aware of the point where the greatest number of pellets is located on the path.

[000105] Advantageously, knowing the trajectory and outline of the shot cloud, the user of the firearm knows the shape and intensity of the shot cloud over time. Advantageously, the user of the firearm uses this information to improve the shooting efficacy thereof, e.g., with respect to the trajectory of a clay target. [000106] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method, by virtue of the use thereof, allow a significant improvement in the design of the rifle and/or shotshell.

[000107] Advantageously, the test system and analysis method are not affected by the type of firearm, i.e., rifle, nor by the type of shotshell. Advantageously, the test system and analysis method are usable in a flexible manner with any type of firearm, i.e., rifle, and with any type of shotshell.

[000108] Advantageously, the target, but generally the test system, are suitable for optimizing the detection of the impacts of the pellets to improve the analysis.

[000109] It is apparent that, in order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the test system and analysis method described above, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A test system (1) , for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle (900) , comprising: i) a shooting station (2) , in which a rifle (900) is positionable on a main axis (X-X) ; ii) a target (3) facing the shooting station (2) positioned orthogonal to the main axis (X-X) , wherein the target (3) comprises a target face (31) damageable by the impact of the pellets of the shot cloud; iii) at least one high-frequency camera (4) facing the target (3) , preferably parallel to the main axis (X-X) , suitable for recording a video of the impact of the shot cloud, in particular of the pellets, on the target (3) ; iv) a control unit (5) operatively connected to the high- frequency camera (4) for receiving and analyzing the video recorded by the high-frequency camera, wherein the control unit (5) identifies an initial frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are intact in the initial state, a final frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are damaged in the final state, and a plurality of intermediate frames, in which, in each intermediate frame, the target (3) and the target face (31) are in an intermediate state, partially damaged; wherein the control unit (5) compares mutually adjacent frames, identifying the position and moment of impact of each pellet with the target (3) .

2. Test system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (5) compares an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame, analyzing the presence of differences between the intermediate frame under test with the at least one previous frame and checking for the presence of said differences in the next frames.

3. Test system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to compare an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame, identifying and distinguishing the differences fixed over time, actually due to the impact of a pellet, and the differences varying over time, identifying the latter and identifying them as a disturbance .

4. Test system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to perform a first calibration by comparing the initial frame with the final frame and is configured to compare the intermediate frame with the result of said comparison .

5. Test system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to automatically perform the frame-by-frame analysis.

6. Test system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to manually perform the frame-by-frame analysis, requiring confirmation by the operator.

7. Test system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target face (31) comprises a film being damageable by the impact with a pellet.

8. Test system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the target (3) comprises a support sheet, for example made of metal, preferably of steel, and said film comprises a main layer facing the shooting station, wherein said main layer is a paint, preferably a dark-colored paint.

9. Test system (1) according to claim 8, wherein said film comprises a low-adhesion layer interposed between the support sheet and the main layer, wherein the low- adhesion layer is suitable for promoting the detachment of the main layer upon the impact with a pellet, preferably amplifying the damaged region with respect to the region impacted by the pellet.

10. Test system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one high-intensity lamp (6) facing the target (3) , preferably at least two high-intensity lamps (6) facing the target (3) at 45°.

11. Test system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the high-frequency camera (4) operates at a frequency of more than or equal to 5 kHz, preferably of more than or equal to 10 kHz.

12. Test system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electro-optical sensor (7) suitable for detecting the shot of the rifle (900) , wherein said electro-optical sensor (7) is operatively connected to the control unit (5) .

13. A method for analyzing a shot cloud of pellets produced by the shot of a shotshell by a rifle (900) , comprising the steps of:

- equipping a test system (1) comprising: i) a shooting station (2) , in which a smoothbore rifle (900) is positionable on a main axis (X-X) ; ii) a target (3) facing the shooting station (2) positioned orthogonal to the main axis (X-X) , wherein the target (3) comprises a target face (31) damageable by the impact of the pellets of the shot cloud; iii) at least one high-frequency camera (4) facing the target (3) , preferably parallel to the main axis (X-X) , suitable for recording a video of the impact of the shot cloud, in particular of the pellets, on the target (3) ; iv) a control unit (5) operatively connected to the high- frequency camera (4) for receiving and analyzing the video recorded by the high-frequency camera; wherein the analysis method, by means of the control unit (5) , comprises the steps of:

- identifying an initial frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are intact in the initial state, and a final frame, in which the target (3) and the target face (31) are damaged in the final state; identifying a plurality of intermediate frames, wherein, in each intermediate frame, the target (3) and the target face (31) are partially damaged in an intermediate state;

- comparing adjacent frames, identifying the position and moment of impact of each pellet with the target (3) ;

- constructing the three-dimensional shape of the shot cloud .

14. Analysis method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

- comparing an intermediate frame with at least one previous frame and with at least one next frame; - carrying out said comparison first by detecting the presence of differences between the intermediate frame under test and the at least one previous frame and then by checking for the presence of said differences in the next frames.

15. Analysis method according to claim 14, comprising the step of:

16. Analysis method according to any one of claims 13 to

15, comprising the step of:

- comparing each intermediate frame with the result of said calibration.

17. Analysis method according to any one of claims 13 to

16, comprising the step of:

- identifying the effective amount of the shot cloud by eliminating a series of results corresponding to first pellets and therefore of intermediate frames being proximal to the initial frame and by eliminating a series of results corresponding to last pellets and therefore of intermediate frames being proximal to the final frame; wherein said step is carried out so as to eliminate the results indicatively due to 3% of initial pellets, or front pellets, and/or to eliminate the results indicatively due to 7% of final pellets, or tail pellets.

18. An analysis method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the test system (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 12.