QM3i AnalyzerHigh-throughput grain and seed phenotyping
Measure size, shape, color, texture, and surface traits for every grain or seed in a sample. Generate reproducible, analysis-ready datasets for breeding trials, research studies, and routine laboratory workflows.
QM3i combines controlled imaging with automated segmentation to measure each grain or seed individually. Analyze within-sample variation, preserve samples for further testing, and export measurements and images for statistical analysis in R, Python, or existing research data pipelines.
QM3i imaging and analysis system for individual-grain and seed phenotyping.
Individual-grain data
Retain measurements and images for every grain or seed, together with sample summaries and trait distributions.
Reproducible measurements
Standardize imaging and measurement across samples, operators, and repeated experiments.
Research-ready outputs
Export structured measurements and metadata for statistical analysis in R, Python, and other research workflows.
Phenotyping applications across grains and seeds
Rice and paddy
Measure kernel dimensions, shape, color, chalkiness, and within-sample variation.
Wheat and durum
Analyze kernel morphology, size distributions, color, and uniformity.
Pulses and lentils
Measure seed size, shape, coat color, texture, and surface characteristics.
Oilseeds
Analyze seed dimensions, shape, color, and variation across lines or treatments.
Vegetable seeds
Measure individual-seed morphology, color, texture, and uniformity.
Specialty crops and hemp
Configure crop-specific measurements for specialized research objectives.
Key benefits for researchers
Preserve samples for germination, chemical analysis, or additional testing.
Replace subjective manual measurements with standardized digital analysis.
Capture individual-grain measurements, sample summaries, and trait distributions.
Process large experimental designs using consistent measurement protocols.
Export measurements, images, and metadata for downstream statistical analysis.
Maintain searchable analysis records for repeatability, traceability, and later review.
Connect results with scales, barcode readers, moisture meters, and laboratory information systems.
Built for research workflows
High-throughput phenotyping for research and breeding
Generate 100+ image-derived measurements and descriptors for size, shape, color, texture, and surface characteristics at the individual-grain and seed level.
Individual-grain and seed morphology
- Measure length, width, area, perimeter, aspect ratio, roundness, and other shape descriptors.
- Generate measurements for every individual grain or seed, not just sample averages.
- Analyze trait distributions, variability, and outliers within each sample.
- Generate datasets for comparing varieties, breeding lines, treatments, and growing conditions.
Color, texture, and surface profiling
- Quantify color using CIE L*a*b* measurements and additional color indices.
- Measure color distribution and uniformity within individual grains or seeds and across the sample.
- Capture texture, surface characteristics, and visible phenotypic variation.
- Export structured data and individual-grain images for statistical and genotype-phenotype analysis.
Integrations
Connect each analysis to sample identifiers, experimental metadata, and measurements from other laboratory instruments to create a complete research record.
Scales
Link sample weight directly to each analysis record.
Barcodes
Scan sample, accession, genotype, or plot identifiers to reduce manual data entry.
Experimental traceability
Retain sample metadata, instrument settings, images, and results in one searchable analysis record.
Efficient processing for large experiments
Process large sample sets using a consistent workflow designed for breeding trials, phenotyping programs, and multi-sample research studies.
Small research samples
Analyze limited seed quantities without requiring large sample volumes.
Sequential processing
Process samples one after another, with results saved and organized automatically.
Consistent protocols
Apply the same imaging and measurement workflow across samples and experiments.
Breeding-scale analysis
Screen large numbers of lines while retaining individual-grain measurements and within-sample variation.
Technical specifications
- High-resolution color camera.
- No moving parts in the optical imaging path.
- CIE L*a*b* color measurement and characterization.
- 2,000–6,000 color pixels per grain or seed.
- Controlled LED illumination for consistent color measurement.
- CSV and Parquet export formats.
- Individual-grain images retained for each analysis.
Download the QM3i product brochure
Get the full technical specifications, capabilities overview, and integration details in a shareable PDF format.
QM3i software accessibility
Keyboard navigation, Windows Narrator screen reader support, and WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance details for the QM3i software.
Frequently asked questions
QM3i measures length, width, area, perimeter, shape descriptors, and CIE L*a*b* color metrics and homogeneity for every individual grain or seed in a sample, along with group distribution sizing across the sample.
Yes. QM3i generates measurements and images for every individual grain or seed in a sample, which can be exported as structured data alongside sample summaries.
QM3i retains measurements for each detected grain or seed, allowing researchers to examine distributions, variability, and outliers in addition to sample summaries.
Individual-grain or seed measurements and images are retained for each analysis, together with sample summaries and trait distributions, and can be exported for further review.
QM3i uses controlled LED illumination and a fixed imaging setup to standardize capture conditions. Dimensional measurements are calculated from a calibrated image scale, and color is reported in CIE L*a*b*. Contact our team for calibration and repeatability details relevant to your application.
Measurements, metadata, and images can be exported in CSV and Parquet formats for use in R, Python, and other research workflows.
Yes. Sample and experimental identifiers, such as accession, genotype, plot, and treatment, can be linked to each analysis record through barcode scanning or manual entry.
Yes. QM3i can analyze limited seed quantities without requiring large sample volumes.
QM3i supports repeatability studies using calibration artifacts to evaluate measurement consistency across samples, operators, and repeated experiments.
QM3i supports a wide range of grains and seeds - from cereals and pulses to oilseeds, vegetable seeds, and specialty crops. Custom configurations are available for specialized grain or seed types.
Yes. QM3i's individual-grain measurement approach is practical for large breeding trials and genotype-to-phenotype studies.
QM3i integrates with weight scales, moisture meters, barcode readers, and laboratory information systems, letting you attach sample weight and sample or accession identifiers directly to each analysis.
Ready to evaluate QM3i on your samples?
Send us representative samples and receive a results package with sample summaries, individual-grain measurements, images, and exportable data. We will help you determine how QM3i fits your research or breeding workflow.