Movable barrier operator multi-technique excess force avoidance apparatus and method

摘要

A movable barrier operator can use ( 11 ) a first technique to prevent an excess application of force during controlled movement of a movable barrier ( 43 ) and at least a second technique ( 12 ) to similarly prevent an excess application of force during such movement. Both techniques can then be utilized to determine ( 13 ) when an application of excess force may nevertheless occur and not be reasonably avoided. In one embodiment, two techniques ( 21 and 22 ) can be used to detect force as applied during movement of the movable barrier and such information can be used to determine ( 23 ) whether applied force is being reliably indicated. In another embodiment, travel limit information ( 51 ), travel information ( 52 ) and travel history information ( 53 ) are utilized to assess whether normal operation of the movable barrier operator should be over-ridden ( 54 ) due to a possibly expression of undue force.