Abstract: Multiple zones (21, 22, 23) are established with respect to the travel of a movable barrier over a course of permitted movement (typically between a fully open and a fully closed position). By detecting and knowing the juxtaposition of the movable barrier with a given one of these zones, a particular direction of movement for that movable barrier can be automatically selected notwithstanding possible ignorance regarding the exact position of the movable barrier due to, for example, one or more triggering conditions (such as momentary disconnection of the movable barrier with respect to its motive mechanism). Such zones are particularly efficacious when employed in conjunction with passpoint-based position determination movable barrier operator systems.