Abstract: A handwriting recognition system in which a user, on-line can reduce similarity between different prototypes. The user interactively can delete a prototype or add a new prototype, while at the same time is not allowed to delete a prototype when it is the only prototype for a given character.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for accomplishing same, of providing character prototypes for use by a handwriting character recognition system 10. A first method includes a first step of providing a first handwritten character; a second step of copying the first character to provide a second character; and a third step of modifying the second character to (a) emphasize dissimilarities between the second character and the first character and to (b) de-emphasize similarities between the second character and the first character. A second method includes a first .step of providing a first handwritten character and a second handwritten character, the first and the second handwritten characters each being comprised of a plurality of points. A second step of the method matches corresponding points between the first character and the second character.