1. A method for extracting 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: providing an automated system and using said automated system for: identifying at least one region of interest within said image by determining local orientation information at pixel positions in said image and assigning an orientation angle at each said 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 by determining a dominant orientation angle in said image and assigning a value of zero to each said pixel positions with an orientation angle which varies from said dominant angle by more than a predetermined threshold, wherein only said at least one region of interest is exposed; and extracting a signature for said image taking into account said at least one region of interest exposed by said mask.