US20100139176A1

US20100139176A1 - System, method, or apparatus relating to a reconfigurable communal space

Info

Publication number: US20100139176A1
Application number: US12/331,315
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles A. Flueck; Todd P. Camill; Michael R. Wallden; Anthony J. Driscoll
Original assignee: Disney Enterprises Inc
Current assignee: Disney Enterprises Inc
Priority date: 2008-12-09
Filing date: 2008-12-09
Publication date: 2010-06-10

Abstract

Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with a reconfigurable communal space are disclosed.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments relate to the field of communal spaces, and more specifically to a reconfigurable communal space.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of entertainment typically may occur in a theater. For example, viewers may be treated to a concert, a movie, a stand-up routine, or a play in a theater or concert hall. Typically, a stage set-up may be changed depending on what type of show is involved. For example, a stage may be set up one way for a particular concert, while having a different configuration for a play. In addition, while some aspects of an audience seating section may be modified depending at least in part on a type of show at a particular theater, e.g., seats may be added, moved, or removed depending at least in part on a particular stage configuration for a show, audience members typically remain in a relatively static position as a show progresses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Claimed subject matter, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference of the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment, such as a reconfigurable communal space, such as an entertainment structure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment, such as a reconfigurable communal space of FIG. 1 in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment, such as another reconfigurable communal space;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment, such as yet another reconfigurable communal space;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment, such as a reconfigurable communal space of FIG. 4, in a second configuration; and

FIG. 6 is a flow-chart representation of a method or process in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wide variety of events typically may occur in one or more communal spaces. In an embodiment, audience members may experience a concert, a movie, a stand-up routine, or a play in a communal space, such as in an entertainment structure like a theater or concert hall, an educational venue such as a lecture hall, or the like. Typically, a stage set-up may be changed depending on a particular type of show that is involved. In an embodiment, a stage may be set up one way for a particular concert, while having a different configuration for a play. However, the relationship between audience members and the show remains relatively static. Here, cast members may move around a stage during a play, but audience members typically do not move relative to the stage during a performance. In addition, while some aspects of an audience seating section may be modified depending on a type of show at a particular theater, e.g., seats may be added, moved, or removed depending at least in part on a particular stage configuration for a show, an audience member's perception of a show is typically not directed as that show progresses. In one example, audience members may move on one or more vehicles to one or more portions of a show, such as riding a vehicle from one part of a show to a second part of a show. Guests experiencing a park ride may ride in one or more vehicles to reach one or more portions of show. However, in these examples, a vantage point location of one or more audience members is typically not altered or directed as a show progresses in a communal space.
One or more of the forthcoming embodiments may, at least in part, address one or more of the above described issues.
In an embodiment, it may be desirable to reconfigure a communal space as an event progresses. As used herein, a “communal space” may refer to a building or at least partial structure capable of hosting one or more events. For example, a communal space may comprise an entertainment structure such as a theater, stadium, concert hall, arena, convention center, or the like, capable of hosting one or more events, such as concerts, movies, plays, sporting events, theme park attractions, etc. In addition, a communal space may refer to any venue capable of hosting one or more audience members for one or more functions, such as events. In an embodiment, an aspect of a vantage point location of one or more audience members may be adjusted by the reconfiguration, at least in part, so that a perspective of one or more individual audience members, such as an auditory or a visual perspective, may be directed or changed as an event progresses. As used herein, a “vantage point location” may refer to a place from which an event may be perceived. In an embodiment, a vantage point location may comprise a particular position where an audience member may be able to perceive an event occurring, such as visually or auditorily perceiving an entertainment event. In one or more embodiments, audience members may be seated in seats, in a vehicle, standing on a mobile platform, etc. As used herein, an “event” may refer to something that occurs at one or more locations during one or more time intervals. An event may, under some circumstances, comprise a show, a play, a concert, an amusement park attraction, or the like. As used herein, an “aspect” of vantage point location may refer to one or more characteristics associated with a vantage point location. An aspect of a vantage point location may comprise a position or direction of a vantage point location within one or more coordinate systems. Furthermore, an aspect of a vantage point location may comprise a rotational position or direction of a vantage point location.
It should be noted that a vantage point location(s), no matter how adjusted, e.g., positional or rotational, may at least in part alter a perspective of one or more audience members associated with a particular vantage point location(s). As used herein, the term “perspective” may refer to one or more aspects of an event that are capable of being perceived by an audience member. In an embodiment, by adjusting visual or auditory perspective, acceleration, or position in space associated with one or more audience members, such audience members may be directed to one or more aspects of an event that were previously not perceptible or that were previously less perceptible, for example. In an embodiment, a vertical position of a seating vehicle of an audience member may be adjusted as an event progresses, such as by raising or lowering a vertical position of the seating vehicle, at least in part to direct a perspective of one or more audience members associated with the seating vehicle as an event progresses. It should be noted that these are merely illustrative examples relating to an embodiment of a reconfigurable communal space and that claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard. In addition, adjusting a position of a seating vehicle may comprise adjusting a horizontal position of a seating unit. One or more seating vehicles may comprise one or more moveable seating vehicles, such as one or more remotely guided vehicles, one or more wire guided vehicles, or one or more magnetically guided vehicles, to name but a few examples. In an embodiment, a seating vehicle may comprise a group of seats for a plurality of audience members. Furthermore, changing an aspect of a seating vehicle may change or direct a perspective of one or more other seating vehicles. In an embodiment, a horizontal position within a communal space of one or more seating vehicles may be adjusted to direct a visual or auditory, perspective, acceleration or position in space, of one or more audience members associated with a seating vehicle. A seating vehicle may be moved from one area of a communal space embodiment to a second area of a communal space embodiment at least in part to change a visual or auditory perspective of audience members associated with the seating vehicle. It should be noted that, although described in terms of groups of seating, a perspective of one or more audience members within a group may not be altered in the same way as others within the group. Furthermore, altering an aspect of one or more vantage point location(s) may alter a perspective of one or more audience members associated with one or more other vantage point locations. For example, one group of seats may become a portion of an event from a perspective of one or more other groups of seats.
Furthermore, an embodiment of a communal space may, under some circumstances, a vantage point location may be reconfigurable in response to progression of an event. In this embodiment, the vantage point locations may be reconfigured by reconfiguring one or more aspects of a communal space to alter an entertainment experience for at least some audience members, such as by adjusting a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction, of some vantage point locations as an event progresses. Furthermore, an embodiment of a communal space may, under some circumstances, be reconfigured as an event progresses at least in part so that one or more audience members may interact with an event as it progresses. In this context, the term “interact with” if used with respect to an event and an audience, is intended to refer to a change occurring in at least one, such as an event, for example, due at least in part to an interaction with the other, such as, for example, a particular audience, where the change would not have occurred if the other, in this example, the particular audience, had not been present for the interaction. In an embodiment, an event may affect an audience member, and may include at least any one of the following: having the ability to effect changes for themselves or other members of the audience in terms of perspective, e.g., visual or auditory, perceptible acceleration or position in space, of the event as the event progresses; having the ability to effect changes regarding the progression of the event; or playing an active role in the event as the event progresses from their own perspective or from the perspective of other members of the audience. In one embodiment, one or more audience members may be moved to a stage portion of a communal space, such as for playing one or more interactive games, such as a game show, that other audience members may view. In another embodiment, during an event, one or more seating vehicles may be adjusted approximately in time with a song, play, or movie, such as by adjusting a vertical or horizontal position of a seating vehicle. In this particular example, other audience members may perceive the seating vehicles adjusted approximately in at least partial synchronization with a song, play, or movie as forming at least a portion of an experience of the song, play, or movie.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable communal space, such as an embodiment 100. With regard to FIG. 1, embodiment 100 may comprise an at least in part reconfigurable communal space, such as a reconfigurable communal space in a first configuration. Embodiment 100 may comprise one or more vantage point locations, such as seating areas. In an embodiment, one or more vantage point locations may comprise seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc., for example. In an embodiment, seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may comprise one or more seats for one or more audience members. In addition, as discussed below, seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may comprise one or more one or more moveable seating vehicles. For example, a position of seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may be adjustable along one or more aspects of one or more coordinate systems, such as by adjusting a vertical horizontal, or rotational position of one or more of the seating areas. In an embodiment, seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may comprise one or more moveable vehicles, such as one or more guided vehicles (discussed below with reference to FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the one or more guided vehicles may comprise at least a quest or rider controlled vehicle or a control system controlled vehicle. A control system controlled vehicle may comprise a vehicle guided at least in part by one or more external sources, such as a wire guided vehicle or a magnetically guided vehicle. A guest or rider controlled vehicle may comprise a vehicle at least in part guided by one or more internal sources, such as one or more audience members. In an embodiment, a position of seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may be adjusted relative to a position of one or more other aspects of an embodiment of a reconfigurable communal space such as relative to a stage, wall, floor position, etc. In an embodiment, a reconfigurable communal space may further comprise one or more movable floor pieces. The audience may be positioned on a grid, or arranged in an array of mobile structures or vehicles. In another configuration, the audience may be positioned in a series of concentric rings 110, 112, or 114. In this embodiment, concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 may be operable to adjust a relative position of one or more seating vehicles, such as by raising or lowering a position of one or more seating vehicles. In an embodiment, concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 may be operatively coupled to one or more control systems, such as one or more lifting apparatuses (not shown), such as one or more hydraulic systems, one or more cable systems, electric motors, one or more mechanical linkage systems, one or more electric motor systems, or one or more scissor lift systems, to name but a few examples. In an embodiment, concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 may be coupled to any of the lifting apparatuses mentioned above so that such an apparatus may be operable to raise or lower a position of those rings as an event progresses. In at least one embodiment, a hydraulic lift system or scissor lift system may be coupled to respective concentric rings so that in response to one or more control signals respective concentric rings may be raised or lowered to direct a perspective of audience members associated with such concentric rings. It should be noted that particular requirements for lifting or lowering systems may vary depending on aspects of a reconfigurable communal space, such as a weight, a size or a particular desired configuration associated with aspects of the reconfigurable communal space. Accordingly, specific details with respect to lifting and lowering systems will vary depending on particular aspects of the reconfigurable communal space involved. In yet another embodiment, seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may be supported from one or more overhead or side positioned structures such as a ceiling or side positioned support structure, for example. In this embodiment, aspects of seating areas 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. may be capable of being changed or directed at least in part by one or more control systems, such as one or more overhead structures, such as one or more cable systems, one or more hydraulic systems, one or more mechanical linkage systems, one or more scissor lift systems, one or more electric motor systems, or the like. In an embodiment, concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 may be coupled to any of the overhead or side positioned structures mentioned above so that such structures may be operable to raise or lower a position of those rings as an event progresses in response to one or more control signals. In a particular embodiment, one or more hydraulic systems or mechanical linkage systems may be couples to respective concentric rings and may lower or raise the respective concentric rings in response to one or more control signals to achieve a particular reconfiguration of a communal space as an event progresses. Again, specific size and power aspects of such systems may vary depending on particular aspects, such as a size, a weight, and/or a particular desired configuration for the concentric rings.
In addition, the one or more seating vehicles described above may, under some circumstances, be rotated about an axis of the respective seating vehicles. In an embodiment, a seating vehicle may be coupled to one or more rotating devices, such as one or more electrical motors, mechanical linkage systems, or hydraulic systems so that such rotating devices may be operable to rotate such a seating vehicle about one or more axis, such as in response to one or more control signals. A seating vehicle facing a central stage may be rotated so that individual audience members in that seating vehicle are now facing a different portion of an embodiment of a communal space such as a wall of a communal space. In this example, a perspective of those audience members may be directed so that they are viewing or interacting with a different portion of an event, such as a side stage, a different viewing screen, or the like. In addition, individual seating vehicles may likewise be coupled to one or more lifting and lowering mechanisms, such as hydraulic systems, scissor lift systems, mechanical linkage systems, or the like. In an embodiment, individual seating vehicles may be raised or lowered relative to respective concentric rings by one or more lifting or lowering mechanisms in response to one or more control signals. Again, it should be noted that particular size and power requirements for lifting or lowering mechanisms may depend on aspects of individual seating vehicles, such as a size, a weight, and a desired configuration associated with such seating vehicles.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the reconfigurable communal space embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, in a second configuration in accordance with an embodiment 200. With regard to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a reconfigurable communal space has been reconfigured so that a stage 202 is now an elevated central focus of an event. In an embodiment, a respective relative position of concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 has been altered such that, unlike in FIG. 1, concentric ring 114 is positioned higher than concentric ring 112, which is positioned higher than concentric ring 110, for example. In this embodiment, one or more lifting or lowering apparatuses, such as those described above with regard to FIG. 1, may be employed to raise or lower concentric rings 110, 112, or 114 as an event progresses. In an embodiment, particular concentric rings may be raised or lowered by one or more lifting or lowering mechanisms in response to one or more control signals to achieve a desired configuration. Here, a lifting or lowering system may be controlled to lower respective concentric rings to reconfigure the communal space shown in FIG. 1 into the configuration shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen in this embodiment, a reconfigurable communal space of FIG. 1 may be transformed from a communal space having a concave shape, with a stage at a lower center position, to a communal space having a convex shape, with a stage at a higher center position. In at least one embodiment, the reconfigurable communal space may undergo the above transition at least in part as an event progresses. In an embodiment, an event may begin with a reconfigurable communal space embodiment in a configuration as shown in FIG. 1. In this example, as an event progresses the reconfigurable communal space may be transformed to a configuration as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, one or more individual audience members may have their respective perspective of an event altered as an event progresses. For example, one or more spectators in seating area 106 may begin an event looking down at one or more performers on a stage, as shown in FIG. 1. However, in this example, as a event progresses one or more spectators in seating area 106 may have their respective visual perspectives directed as an event progresses, at least in part by a transformation of the reconfigurable communal space embodiment to a configuration as shown in FIG. 2. During or after the transformation one or more spectators in seating area 106 may have their respective perspectives changed or altered at least in part due to the reconfiguration and corresponding changes to one or more aspects of their vantage point locations. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, a portion of seating areas, as shown in FIG. 2, may be used as a display portion for one or more audience members sitting in a lower row. For example, a back portion 204 of a seating vehicle 205 may, under some circumstances be employed as a display portion for seating areas 206 or 208.
It should be noted that the above is merely one example relating to an embodiment of a reconfigurable communal space. Within the context of this example, it should be further noted, that although described in terms of two discrete configurations, the reconfigurable communal space shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is operable to take on a variety of configurations not just the example configurations shown and described above.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another reconfigurable communal space, such as an embodiment 300. With regard to FIG. 3, embodiment 300 may comprise a stage 302. In an embodiment, such as during an event, one or more performers 304 may be positioned on or over stage 302. One or more performers may be performing an event, such as a concert, a play, or the like, on stage 302. In addition, a reconfigurable communal space in this embodiment may further comprise one or more vantage point locations, such as seating for an audience. In this embodiment, the one or more vantage point locations may comprise seating vehicles 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, or 318. Furthermore, seating vehicles 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, or 318 may comprise moveable seating vehicles. In this embodiment, seating vehicles 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, or 318 may comprise one or more guided seating vehicles, such as one or more guest or rider controlled or control system controlled vehicles. A quest or rider controlled vehicle may comprise a vehicle guided or directed by one or more internal sources, such as one or more audience members associated with that vehicle. In this example, one or more audience members associated with a vehicle may be capable of controlling one or more aspects associated with the vehicle. A control system controlled vehicle may comprise a wire guided vehicle, a tracked vehicle, or a magnetically guided vehicle. Furthermore, a guided vehicle may also be guided by quest or rider control and at least in part by control system control. In an embodiment, one or more audience members may be capable of controlling some aspects of a seating vehicle, while an external control system or mechanism controls other aspects of a seating vehicle. In addition, one or more aspects of a seating vehicle may, at least in part, be jointly controlled by one or more internal sources and one or more external sources. Likewise, any or all of the aforementioned sources may or may not be controlled by a human operator. In this example, a position of seating vehicles 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, or 318 may be changed or directed as an event progresses. One or more of the seating vehicles may be moved as an event progresses to alter a perspective of one or more audience members in those seating vehicles as an event progresses by changing or directing a vantage point location associated with those seating vehicles. Furthermore, as described above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective of audience members in seating vehicles 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, or 318 may be further altered, such as by altering a vertical position of those seating vehicles, such as in conjunction with one or more moveable floor pieces and lifting or lowering mechanisms, such as those described above with regard to FIG. 1.
Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, an entertainment base of a communal space may likewise be altered or directed. As used herein, an “entertainment base” may refer to a location where entertainment associated with an event may occur within a communal space. An entertainment base may, under some circumstances comprise one or more display screens, one or more stages, or the like. In an embodiment, an aspect of an entertainment base, such as a position, direction, shape, structure, etc. of a communal space may be changed or directed as an event progresses. Furthermore, a shape or position of a stage may be changed as an event progresses.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment 400 of a reconfigurable communal space in a first configuration. With regard to FIG. 4, a reconfigurable communal space embodiment may comprise audience seating area 402 and a screen or display area 404, such as a projection screen. Though described in terms of a screen or display area, the reconfigurable communal space embodiment may alternately include a stage area or other type of performance area for an event, such as a concert, movie, or the like. Audience seating area 402 may, under some circumstances, comprise one or more vantage point locations such as one or more sections for seating audience members, such as rows 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, or 416. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, audience members may, at one or more times as an event progresses, be directed towards screen 404.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment 500 of the reconfigurable communal space embodiment of FIG. 4 in a second configuration. With regard to FIG. 5, the reconfigurable communal space embodiment of FIG. 4 may further comprise a second screen or display area 502. In a first configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, row 406 may comprise a lower seating row positioned closer to a screen, such as screen 404. However, in a second configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, row 406 may comprise a higher seating row positioned farther from a screen, such as screen 502. Likewise, in a first configuration shown in FIG. 4, row 416 may comprise a higher seating row positioned farther from a screen, such as screen 404. However, in a second configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, row 416 may comprise a lower seating row positions farther from a screen, such as screen 502, for example. In an embodiment, a vertical position of the rows may be adjusted in response to one or more control signals, such as by raising or lowering a respective row with a hydraulic lifting and lowering system, a cable lifting and lowering system, a scissor lifting and lowering system, or the like. Here, while transitioning row 406 from a first position, as shown in FIG. 4, to a second position, as shown in FIG. 5, a lifting and lowering mechanism or system may be employed to alter a vertical position of row 406, such as by raising row 406 from the first position to the second position. In an embodiment, such a lifting and lowering mechanism may comprise a hydraulic lifting and lowering system, a scissor lifting and lowering system, a mechanical linkage lifting and lowering system, or the like, operatively coupled, and appropriately configured, to the respective rows and operable to raise or lower the respective rows in response to one or more control signals. Likewise, a vertical position of rows 408, 410, 412, 414, or 416, may likewise be adjusted by respective lifting and lowering mechanisms or systems, in a similar manner to that described above, to transform the reconfigurable communal space from the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, to the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, a vertical position of rows 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, or 416 may be adjusted as an event progresses at least in part to switch from a configuration shown in FIG. 4 to a configuration shown in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, as an event progresses a perspective of one or more individual spectators may be adjusted from screen 404 to screen 502 by adjusting a vertical position of one or more of rows 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, or 416 thereby changing or directing an aspect of one or more vantage point locations associated with one or more individual audience members.
FIG. 6 is a flow-chart representation of a method or process in accordance with an embodiment 600. With regard to box 602, a system or process may reconfigure one or more portions of an embodiment of a communal space as an event progresses to direct or change a vantage point location of one or more individual audience members as the event progresses. As described in box 604, an aspect of at least one vantage point location may be adjusted so that at least one audience member interacts with an event as it progresses. In this example, directing or changing an aspect of a vantage point location as an event progresses may comprise adjusting a position within a coordinate system, such as a vertical or horizontal position, an angular position, or a direction of one or more audience seating vehicles. In an embodiment, adjusting a position of an audience seating vehicle may comprise raising or lowering a seating vehicle, as described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS. 4 and 5. Furthermore, adjusting a position of a seating vehicle may comprise moving a seating vehicle horizontally relative to a position within a communal space, such as the movement shown and described relative to a stage in FIG. 3.
Furthermore, with regard to box 606, a system or process may adjust a vantage point location of at least one audience member so that at least one audience member becomes of a part of an event from a perspective of at least one other audience member. For example, in one embodiment, one or more audience members may be moved to a stage area of an embodiment of a communal space, such as for playing one or more interactive game, such as a game show; that other audience members may view. For another example, during an event, one or more seating vehicles may be adjusted approximately in at least partial synchronization with a song, play, or movie, such as by adjusting a vertical or horizontal position of a seating vehicle. In this example, other audience members may perceive the seating vehicles adjusted approximately in at least partial synchronization with a song, play, or movie as forming at least a portion of a visual experience of the song, play, or movie. It should, however, be noted that these are merely illustrative examples relating to an embodiment of a reconfigurable communal space and that claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard.
It should be noted that, although aspects of the above method or process have been described in a particular order, the specific order is merely an example of a process and claimed subject matter is of course not limited to the order described. It should also be noted that the methods and processes described herein, may be capable of being performed by one or more computing platforms. In addition, the methods or processes described herein may be capable of being stored on a storage medium as one or more machine readable instructions, that if executed may enable a computing platform to perform one or more actions. “Storage medium” as referred to herein relates to media capable of storing information or instructions which may be operated on, or executed by, by one or more machines. For example, a storage medium may comprise one or more storage devices for storing machine-readable instructions or information. Such storage devices may comprise any one of several media types including, for example, magnetic, optical or semiconductor storage media. For further example, one or more computing platforms may be adapted to perform one or more of the processed or methods in accordance with claimed subject matter, such as the methods or processes described herein. However, these are merely examples relating to a storage medium and a computing platform and claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects.
For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and/or configurations were set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, features that would be understood by one of ordinary skill were omitted or simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been illustrated or described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications or changes as fall within the true spirit of claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a reconfigurable communal space;

said reconfigurable communal space comprising vantage point locations for members of an audience;

wherein said vantage point locations comprise a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction defining locations of audience members relative to an event; and

wherein said vantage point locations are reconfigurable in response to progression of said event to thereby reconfigure said communal space and to alter an entertainment experience for said at least some of said audience members at least in part by adjusting a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction, of said at least some vantage point locations as said event progresses.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein altering an entertainment experience for at least some of said audience members comprises altering a perspective for said at least some of said audience members.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said perspective comprises an auditory perspective, a visual perspective, a perceptible acceleration, and/or a position in space.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said communal space is further reconfigurable so that a perspective of a plurality of said audience members are capable of being directed and changed as said event progresses.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said perspective comprises an auditory perspective, a visual perspective, a perceptible acceleration, and/or a position in space.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said communal space is further reconfigurable so that at least one or more of said audience members are able to interact with said event as it progresses.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein at least one of said audience members becomes a portion of the event from a perspective of at least one other of said audience members.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said vantage point locations comprise one or more accommodations for one or more of said audience members.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said one or more accommodations comprise one or more movable vehicles.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said one or more moveable vehicles comprise a plurality of individual seats.

11. The system of claim 1, and further comprising one or more adjustable floor pieces.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said one or more adjustable floor pieces are operable to adjust at least a vertical position of said at least some vantage points locations.

13. The system of claim 1, and further comprising one or more lifting mechanisms.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said one or more lifting mechanisms are operable to adjust a vertical position, a horizontal position, a direction, or combinations thereof, of one or more of said at least some vantage points locations.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein said moveable seating vehicles comprises one or more guided vehicles.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said one or more guided vehicles comprises at least a guest controlled vehicle or a vehicle controlled by a control system.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said vehicle controlled by a control system comprises a wire guided vehicle, a tracked vehicle, and/or a magnetically guided vehicle.

18. A method comprising:

reconfiguring one or more portions of a communal space as an event progresses at least in part to direct a vantage point location of one or more individual audience members as said event progresses;

wherein said vantage point location comprises a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction defining a location of said one or more individual audience members relative to said event; and

wherein said vantage point location is reconfigurable in response to progression of said event to thereby reconfigure said communal space and to alter an entertainment experience for said one or more individual audience members at least in part by adjusting a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction, of said vantage point location as said event progresses.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein directing or changing said vantage point location of one or more individual audience members comprises directing or changing a perspective of said one or more individual audience members.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said perspective of said one or more individual audience members comprises an auditory perspective, a visual perspective, a perceptible acceleration, and/or a position in space.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said vantage point locations comprise one or more moveable vehicles.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said one or more moveable vehicles comprise a plurality of individual seats.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein said one or more moveable seating vehicles comprise at least a guest or rider controlled vehicle or a control system controlled vehicle.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said control system controlled vehicle comprises a wire guided vehicle, a tracked vehicle, and/or a magnetically guided vehicle.

25. The method of claim 19, and further comprising: adjusting an aspect of at least one vantage point location so that at least one audience member interacts with said event as it progresses.

26. The method of claim 18, and further comprising: adjusting a vantage point location of at least one audience member so that said audience member becomes a portion of said event from a perspective of at least one other audience member.

27. An apparatus comprising:

means for establishing one or more vantage point locations in a communal space defining a perspective of audience members;

means for reconfiguring said one or more vantage point locations of a communal space as an event progresses;

wherein said one or more vantage point locations comprise a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction defining locations of said audience members relative to said event; and

wherein said one or more vantage point locations are reconfigurable in response to progression of said event to thereby reconfigure said communal space and to alter an entertainment experience for said at least some of said audience members at least in part by adjusting a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction, of said at least some vantage point locations as said event progresses.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein reconfiguring one or more vantage point locations as said event progresses comprises adjusting an aspect of at least one vantage point location associated with at least one spectator.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said aspect of at least one vantage point locations comprises at least a horizontal position, a vertical position, and/or a direction.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said one or more vantage point locations comprise one or more moveable vehicles.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, and further comprising: means for adjusting a vantage point location associated with at least one audience member so that said at least one audience member interacts with the event as it progresses.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said one or more moveable vehicles comprise one or more guided vehicles.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said one or more guided vehicles comprise at least a quest or rider controlled vehicle or a control system controlled vehicle.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said control system controlled vehicle comprises at least a wire guided vehicle, a tracked vehicle, and/or a magnetically guided vehicle.

35. An apparatus comprising:

a reconfigurable communal space;

said reconfigurable communal space comprising vantage point locations for audience members;

wherein said vantage point locations comprise a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a direction defining locations of said audience members relative to an event; and

one or more lifting, lowering, and/or rotating mechanisms operable to adjust a vertical position, a horizontal position, and/or a rotational position of one or more of said vantage point locations as said event progresses, to thereby direct said one or more of said vantage point locations, reconfigure said communal space, and/or to alter an entertainment experience for said audience members as said event progresses.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said one or more lifting, lowering, and/or rotating mechanisms are further operable to alter a perspective at least some of said audience members.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said perspective comprises an auditory perspective, a visual perspective, a perceptible acceleration, and/or a position in space.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one of said audience members becomes a portion of the event from a perspective of at least one other of said audience members.

39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said vantage point locations comprise one or more accommodations for one or more of said audience members.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said one or more accommodations comprise one or more movable vehicles.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said one or more moveable vehicles comprise a plurality of individual seats.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said one or more moveable vehicles comprises at least a guest controlled vehicle or a vehicle controlled by a control system.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said vehicle controlled by a control system comprises a wire guided vehicle, a tracked vehicle, and/or a magnetically guided vehicle.

44. An article comprising: a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein said instructions, if executed by a computing platform, enable said computing platform to:

reconfigure one or more portions of an communal space as an event progresses at least in part to direct a vantage point location of one or more individual audience members as said event progresses;

45. An apparatus comprising:

a computing platform;

said computing platform adapted to reconfigure one or more portions of a communal space as an event progresses at least in part to direct a vantage point location of one or more individual audience members as said event progresses;