What effect can filtering have in image processing?

Filtering plays a crucial role in image processing, particularly in medical imaging like computed tomography (CT). The correct answer highlights that filtering can remove streaking star artifacts caused by back projection. These artifacts often degrade image quality, making it difficult to interpret fine details in the scanned images. By applying appropriate filtering techniques, such as various types of spatial filters, these artifacts can be minimized or eliminated, leading to clearer and more accurate images.

For context, while enhancing brightness is an important aspect of image processing, it is not the primary function of filtering, which focuses more on noise reduction and artifact correction. Similarly, while scan time is an important consideration in imaging processes, filtering itself does not directly decrease scan time but rather enhances the quality of the images obtained. Lastly, while improving the field of view can be important, this is more related to the setup of the imaging system rather than the filtering process itself. Therefore, the role of filtering in removing artifacts stands out as a significant benefit in producing high-quality medical images.