An access control mechanism such as a movable barrier operator (70) has a
first time window unit (72) that is responsive to one or more triggers
(71) (such as a delayed-closure button). An event detector (73) then
monitors for one or more events of interest during a corresponding first
time window. For example, the event detector can monitor for evidence
that a vehicle is moving towards a garage exit or has effected an exit
from the garage. A second time window unit (74) responsive at least to
the event detector and optionally as well to the first time window unit
then responds with a second time window. Upon conclusion of the second
time window, a movable barrier closer (75) initiates movement of the
corresponding movable barrier towards a closed position (or other
position of interest).