Final answer:
A smoothing filter is used on scans with low contrast to reduce noise and improve feature visibility. It enhances the quality of images where the initial scans do not clearly distinguish between different areas due to low contrast.
Step-by-step explanation:
A smoothing filter is typically applied to scans that display very low contrast. The purpose of a smoothing filter is to reduce noise and improve the visibility of features in an image that are not distinctly separated by high contrast. An example is in photographic art, where a low contrast conveys softness, such as a heavy mist over quiet water. This can be contrasted with high contrast images like Robert Mapplethorpe's Calla Lily (1987), where the stark difference between whites and blacks creates a sharp and crisp effect.
In imaging technology, particularly in the context of medical scans like MRI or CT, smoothing filters are essential for aiding in feature recognition and diagnosis. They are utilized to enhance the image quality when the initial scans are not clear due to low contrast between different tissues or structures.