Abstract: A method for classifying and recognizing patterns which includes producing a pattern to be classified and recognized of an m-dimensional object. The object to be classified and recognized is provided in the form of an m-dimensional traverse. The method also acquires a property represented by an s-dimensional value for selected points of the traverse, whereby the s-dimensional value reflects a relationship between a respective selected point and a point preceding it and a point succeeding it on the traverse, links the s-dimensional values for the selected points of the traverse in such a manner that an overall property represented by a q-dimensional value characterizing the traverse is obtained, and smooths the traverse in order to form a new traverse.