Objective In order to meet the control requirements of high speed and precision for counting-machine, a control system for counting-machine based on image processing was designed by using TMS320F2812 DSP combined with linear array CCD, ARM9 microcontroller and supporting hardware. Methods Firstly, the mechanical structure and working principle of counting-machine were discussed. Then the comprehensive design process of the pill CCD detector counting system was given. Finally, using edge detection algorithm based on wavelet transform to detect shape and size of pill， the image edge detection system based on DSP and wavelet transform was designed to determine whether there was pill passing detection channel. Results The control system was stable. It could be used for the detection count of pills with various specifications and shapes given that the diameter was larger than 0.32 mm, and the working speed reached up to 3000-8000 tablets / min. The edge detection algorithm based on wavelet transform could avoid the appearance of noise and false edges and achieve accurate counting of the counting-machine. The accuracy was 99.99%, hardly affected by small dusts, and it has achieved significant application results in the actual production.