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Pharmacists often have to count out pills by hand. But a digital webcam and PC can do the job faster, more cheaply and more accurately, according to Rodney Hamilton of Kansas (US 2003/204357). The camera points down at a tray onto which the pharmacist has spread a single layer of pills. Object recognition software counts the pills and after the pharmacist has keyed in the required number, the PC displays how many pills should be added or taken away.