Movable barrier operator apparatus with safety system override, and method

A movable barrier operator apparatus comprising:

• a safety system comprising a safety sensor configured to detect an obstruction in a path of movement of a movable barrier;
• and
• a movable barrier operator comprising:
• a processor, an antenna, a proximity detector, and a movable barrier actuator configured to cause movement of the movable barrier, wherein the processor is configured to:
• receive an obstruction indication associated with the safety system;
• determine that the obstruction indication is not associated with an actual obstruction and the safety system is in an operation failure or misalignment state based on receiving the obstruction indication for a period of time exceeding a threshold indicating safety system operation failure or misalignment;
• receive, via the antenna, a state change request for the movable barrier from a transmitter associated with a human operator;
• determine, based on a signal from the proximity detector, a proximity of the transmitter to the movable barrier in response to receiving the state change request and the safety system being in the operation failure or misalignment state;
• detect a safety override condition based on the transmitter being within a prescribed distance from the movable barrier;
• and
• override the safety system and actuate the movable barrier in response to the safety system being in the operation failure or misalignment state and the safety override condition being detected.