Acc extended mode operation

A method for maintaining adaptive cruise control (ACC) operation after set-speed cruise control (SSCC) deactivation, including:

• determining whether a SSCC system (16) is active in a primary vehicle;
• activating the ACC system (14) upon a determination that SSCC is active, to maintain the primary vehicle at a predetermined interval behind a forward vehicle;
• maintaining the ACC system (14) in an ON state, regardless of SSCC system (16) deactivation, at least until an ACC shutoff trigger event is detected;
• and
• deactivating the ACC system (14) after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event.

An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system (12) with extended mode operation, including:

• a sensor (26) that detects the position of a forward vehicle relative to a primary vehicle in which the sensor (26) is installed;
• and
• a processor (18) that:
• receives a measurement signal from the sensor (26) indicating a distance between the primary vehicle and the forward vehicle;
• transmits a command signal to a braking system (24) that maintains the primary vehicle at a predetermined interval behind the forward vehicle;
• maintains the ACC system (14) in an ON state, regardless of deactivation of a SSCC system (16) in the primary vehicle, at least until an ACC shutoff trigger event is detected;
• and deactivates the ACC system (14) after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event.