A recording apparatus is provided that includes a broadcast signal receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station and a setting means for setting at least a broadcasting time period and a broadcasting station. The sole includes individual vapor-permeable or perforated protective elements, each arranged so as to block a corresponding through hole. The results can provide an estimate of the completeness of analysis of the image, an estimate of the number of objects that are unobserved in the image, and an assessment of the quality of other similar images. A bottom layer is preferably manufactured using a standard CMOS process, and includes the NMOS pixel circuit components and any digital circuitry required for signal processing. The wall thickness of the proximal and distal tapered regions, may, increase from the first end to the second end. By adjusting a stimulation parameter, such as amplitude, according to such a relationship, the stimulation intensity as perceived by the patient may be kept substantially constant.