1. A method for character recognition comprising the steps of: detecting a union of characters, preprocessing the union of characters, comparing the preprocessed union of characters with one or more template symbols, and applying a decision rule in order to either reject a template symbol or decide that the template symbol is included in the union of characters, the step of preprocessing the union of characters comprising the steps of: representing the union of characters as one or more curves, and parameterizing said curve or curves, characterized in that the step of preprocessing the union of characters further comprises the step of forming, regarding various classes of transformations, one or more shapes for said curve or curves, wherein said one or more shapes for said curve or curves are defined as d (&phgr;)&equals;&lcub;&psgr;&psgr;&equals; g (&phgr;), g &egr;G&rcub; where &phgr; is said parameterized curve, d(&phgr;) is said shape for said curve, and G is said class of transformations, said shape being invariant with respect to said class of transformations, and that the step of comparing comprises the steps of: forming one or more geometric proximity measures, determining for every shape the values of said geometric proximity measures between said shape and correspondingly determined shapes for the template symbols, and that the step of applying a decision rule comprises the step of: selecting one or more template symbols in consideration of said values.