1. A method for an automated system to extract a high quality signature from an image having areas not relevant for specific identification purposes which can lead to misleading image signatures, the method comprising: identifying at least one region of interest within said image by determining local orientation information at pixel positions in said image, said at least one region of interest comprising elements useful for said specific identification purposes; creating and applying a mask for said image wherein only said at least one region of interest is exposed; extracting a signature for said image taking into account said at least one region of interest exposed by said mask.