Patent ID: 8224551

Claim:
An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system that remains in an operational state during inactivity of an associated set speed cruise control (SSCC) system, including: an ACC system in a first vehicle that detects at least one braking initiation condition, and decelerates the first vehicle in response to the at least one braking initiation condition; wherein the ACC receives a signal indicative of a SSCC system being deactivated upon initiation of a deceleration event, and continues to operate in an extended mode of operation during the deceleration event; a processor that detects an ACC shutoff trigger event wherein the ACC system continues to operate at least until the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected; and wherein the ACC system continues to operate after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event until completion of the deceleration event, if the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected during the deceleration event.