Pillow for automatically inducing curve of cervical spine

Abstract

A functional pillow according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a body; a sensor unit which is coupled to the body, and which measures the angle of the curve of the cervical spine of a user in a state in which the head and neck of the user are placed on the body; a height-adjusting means which is inserted into the body, and which adjusts the height of at least a part of the body; and a control unit for controlling the height-adjusting means such that the angle of the curve of the cervical spine belongs to a predetermined numerical range.

Description

Automatic cervical curve-inducing pillow

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional pillow.

[0002] The cervical spine, located at the very top of the human spine, supports the head and distributes the weight of the upper body. In other words, the cervical spine helps the body maintain its upright posture without strain.

[0003] Normally, the cervical spine has a C-shaped curve (i.e., cervical lordosis). However, the cervical spine can become distorted due to poor lifestyle habits, posture, and other factors. For example, cervical spine distortion can be caused by protruding the chin when looking at electronic devices, or standing for extended periods with the neck straight.

[0004] Most cervical spine problems occurring in modern people today stem from the inability to maintain the C-shaped curve of the cervical spine, i.e., from cervical deformation. In particular, the number of people experiencing cervical spine deformation is increasing due to the recent increase in smartphone usage.

[0005] If there's a deformity in the cervical spine, a cervical disc herniation can be stimulated. A cervical disc herniation occurs when a disc between the cervical vertebrae protrudes or bone tissue grows abnormally, compressing the cervical nerves that run through the neck, causing pain. Because symptoms like neck pain, numbness, and decreased sensation develop gradually, patients often struggle to recognize the condition, leading to delays in seeking appropriate treatment. Furthermore, if a cervical disc herniation progresses to a severe stage, it can cause life-threatening symptoms such as respiratory distress and paralysis due to central nervous system paralysis.

[0006] Meanwhile, people typically spend between one-quarter and one-third of their lives sleeping, averaging about six to eight hours of sleep per night. Therefore, a proper sleeping posture can help relieve neck stress and restore the cervical spine to its proper form.

[0007] Accordingly, the importance of proper sleeping posture is increasing, and in particular, the importance of pillows, which directly affect the neck, is being highlighted. For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0020377 discloses a pillow that automatically adjusts its height based on applied pressure.

[0008] However, the above literature only mentions the concept of adjusting the height of the pillow to alleviate the user's snoring, and does not mention the concept of guiding the cervical spine into the correct shape.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a functional pillow that can maintain a user's cervical spine in a correct shape while sleeping.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a functional pillow that can help relieve a user's neck stress and correct the user's cervical spine.

[0011] A functional pillow according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a body; a sensor unit coupled to the body and configured to measure a cervical curve angle of a user while the user's head and neck are resting on the body; a height adjustment means inserted into the interior of the body and configured to adjust the height of at least a portion of the body; and a control unit configured to control the height adjustment means so that the cervical curve angle falls within a predetermined numerical range.

[0012] In one embodiment, the predetermined numerical range may be 31° to 40°.

[0013] In one embodiment, the predetermined numerical range may be determined based on the user's cervical disc disease grade.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sensor unit is inserted into the interior of the body, and may be provided in a portion of the body adjacent to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sensor unit may include a first sensor provided on a portion of the body adjacent to the first or second cervical vertebra of the user when the head and neck of the user are seated on the body, and which collects data related to a tilt angle; a second sensor provided on a portion of the body adjacent to the sixth or seventh cervical vertebra of the user when the head and neck of the user are seated on the body, and which collects data related to a tilt angle; and a data analysis unit that calculates the cervical curve angle based on the first tilt angle-related data obtained from the first sensor and the second tilt angle-related data obtained from the second sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may include at least one of a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may be provided parallel to the width direction of the body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the functional pillow, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned on the same plane and in the same straight line.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may be adjacent to an upper surface of the body.

[0020] In one embodiment, the height adjustment means may include a shape-variable member that changes a shape to adjust the height of at least a portion of the body; and a driving member that drives the shape-variable member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the shape-variable portion may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the shape-variable portion may be adjacent to the third or fourth cervical vertebra of the user when the user's head and neck are seated on the body.

[0023] In one embodiment, the height adjustment means may include an air bag including a chamber for receiving air; an air pump for providing air; an air control valve for providing air provided from the air pump to the chamber or discharging air received in the chamber; and a driving unit for driving the air pump.

[0024] In one embodiment, the functional pillow further includes a height change data analysis unit that calculates a total change in height of the body based on a predetermined period of time, and the control unit can reset the predetermined numerical range based on the total change value.

[0025] In one embodiment, the functional pillow further includes a height change data analysis unit that calculates a rolling average of the height change of the body per unit time, and the control unit can reset the predetermined numerical range based on the rolling average value.

[0026] A functional pillow cover according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a cover body; a communication unit provided inside the cover body and performing transmission and reception with a user device; and a cover sensor unit provided inside the cover body and measuring a cervical curve angle of a user while the user's head and neck are seated on the cover body.

[0027] A functional pillow according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can maintain a user's cervical spine in a correct shape while sleeping.

[0028] A functional pillow according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can help relieve neck stress of a user and correct the user's cervical spine.

[0029] Figure 1 is a drawing to explain the cervical curve angle.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the structure of a pillow system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates the structure of a functional pillow according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates the structure of a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a functional pillow equipped with a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention (however, a height adjustment means is not shown).

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a functional pillow according to one embodiment cut in the width direction of the body.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a state in which a user wears a functional pillow.

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates the principle by which the sensor unit calculates the user's cervical curve angle.

[0037] Figure 9 illustrates a functional pillow according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates the structure of a height adjustment means according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate functional pillows equipped with height adjustment means according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention (however, the sensor portion is not shown).

[0040] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an example in which a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pillow cover.

[0041] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a functional pillow and a functional pillow cover having a function of correctly guiding a user's cervical curve can be provided.

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms.

[0043] To clearly explain embodiments of the present invention, portions irrelevant to the description may be omitted. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to obscure the gist or description of the present invention, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0044] In this specification, the term “unit” means a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0045] When describing components of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish one component from another for convenience of explanation, and unless otherwise specified, the nature, order, etc. of the components are not limited by these terms. Furthermore, it is not intended to be assumed that the components to which these terms are attached are different from each other.

[0046] Additionally, when it is described herein that a first component is “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, it may mean that the first component is directly connected or coupled to the second component, or it may mean that the first component is connected or coupled to the second component via a third component.

[0047] The division of components in this specification is merely based on the primary function each component is responsible for. In other words, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be further subdivided into two or more components with more specific functions. Furthermore, each component may, in addition to its own primary function, additionally perform some or all of the functions performed by other components. Furthermore, some of the primary functions of each component may be exclusively performed by other components.

[0048] In this specification, “and / or” may mean each of the listed components and any combination of two or more of the listed components.

[0049] In this specification, the "angle of cervical curve" may refer to the size of the angle formed when a line connecting the inferior margin of the second cervical vertebra (C2) and a line connecting the inferior margin of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) meet at the back of the neck, when the seven cervical vertebrae of a person are numbered sequentially in the direction from the head to the torso (i.e., C1 to C7 in the direction from the head to the torso).

[0050] For example, Fig. 1 is a drawing for explaining a "cervical curve angle." Referring to Fig. 1, the size of the angle α formed when the line L1 connecting along the inferior margin of the vertebral body of the 2nd cervical vertebra and the line L2 connecting along the inferior margin of the vertebral body of the 7th cervical vertebra meet at the back of the neck can be the "cervical curve angle."

[0051] However, the "cervical curve angle" may be replaced by a line connecting the inferior margin of the 2nd cervical vertebra with a transverse line of the 1st cervical vertebra or a line connecting the inferior margin of the 1st cervical vertebra; or a line connecting the inferior margin of the 7th cervical vertebra with a line connecting the inferior margin of the 6th cervical vertebra.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates the structure of a pillow system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, it may include a functional pillow (10) and a user device (20).

[0054] The user device (20) may be a device used by the user to check and manage information obtained from the functional pillow (10) (e.g., analysis data related to body height change described below). The user device (20) may interact with the functional pillow (10) via a network.

[0055] Although FIG. 2 illustrates only one user device (20), multiple devices including the user device (20) may interact with the functional pillow (10).

[0056] The user device (20) may be a device of various forms, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet PC.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates the structure of a functional pillow (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the functional pillow (10) may include a body (100, see FIGS. 5 to 8), a control unit (200), a sensor unit (300), and a height adjustment means (400).

[0059] In some embodiments, the functional pillow (10) may further include at least one of a storage unit (500) and a communication unit (600). In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, the functional pillow (10) may further include a display unit (e.g., a display), an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, a button, etc.), a power supply unit (e.g., a battery, a power supply, etc.), etc.

[0060] The body (100) can serve to maintain the overall shape of the functional pillow (10) and provide a cushioning function to the functional pillow (10).

[0061] In some embodiments, the body (100) may include memory foam, urethane foam, latex foam, etc. The body (100) may also have a structure in which cotton, cypress, etc. are wrapped as an outer covering.

[0062] The control unit (200) can control the overall function and operation of the functional pillow (10). The control unit (200) can control components of the functional pillow (10), for example, a sensor unit (300), a height adjustment means (400), a storage unit (500), a communication unit (600), and at least one other component. That is, the control unit (200) can provide information or data necessary for the operation of the components of the functional pillow (10) and perform operations based on information or data generated or managed by the components.

[0063] For example, the control unit (200) may include at least one processor, at least one circuit, etc. The control unit (200) may perform necessary control to enable the device to operate according to various embodiments described herein.

[0064] The sensor unit (300) can measure the cervical curve angle of the user described above while the user's head and neck are positioned on the body (100). For example, "measuring the cervical curve angle" may include collecting data necessary to calculate the cervical curve angle.

[0065] When the user sleeps on the functional pillow (10) (i.e., when the user's head and neck are positioned on the body), the arrangement shape of the user's cervical vertebrae can be modified by the body (100) (e.g., see FIG. 7). The sensor unit (300) can measure the user's cervical vertebrae curve angle based on the cervical vertebrae arrangement shape modified by the body (100).

[0066] For example, the sensor unit (300) may be provided on a part of the body (100) adjacent to the user's neck and / or cervical vertebrae, based on the state in which the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100).

[0067] In some embodiments, the sensor unit (300) may be inserted into the interior of the body (100). In one embodiment, the sensor unit (300) may be provided adjacent to the upper surface of the body (100) (i.e., the surface of the body's outer surfaces that touches the user's head and neck).

[0068] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (300) may be provided at a location corresponding to the user's neck among the body (100), based on the state in which the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100).

[0069] Fig. 4 illustrates the structure of a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a functional pillow equipped with a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention (however, a height adjustment means is not illustrated). Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a functional pillow according to one embodiment taken in the width direction of the body. Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which a user is lying on the functional pillow (i.e., a state in which the user's head and neck are resting on the body). Fig. 8 illustrates the principle by which the sensor unit calculates the user's cervical curve angle.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, a sensor unit (300) according to one embodiment may include a first sensor (310), a second sensor (320), and a data analysis unit (330).

[0071] Each of the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) can collect data related to an inclination angle. For example, the data related to an inclination angle may include not only the angle of inclination from the horizontal plane (i.e., the inclination angle) itself when the sensor is inclining, but also data necessary to calculate the inclination angle (e.g., inclination, acceleration, angular velocity, etc.).

[0072] In one embodiment, each of the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) may include a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like.

[0073] The data analysis unit (330) can calculate the cervical curve angle based on the slope angle-related data obtained from the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one embodiment, each of the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) can be inserted into the interior of the body (100).

[0075] In one embodiment, the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) may be provided parallel to the width direction of the body (100) (e.g., parallel to the direction in which the user's neck extends, d in FIG. 5).

[0076] In one embodiment, the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) may be positioned on the same straight line parallel to the width direction of the body (100). More preferably, the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320) may be positioned on the same plane parallel to the horizontal plane and the same straight line parallel to the width direction of the body (100).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, based on the state in which the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100), the first sensor (310) may be provided in a part of the body (100) adjacent to the user's 1st or 2nd cervical vertebra, and the second sensor (320) may be provided in a part of the body (100) adjacent to the user's 6th or 7th cervical vertebra.

[0078] In one embodiment, based on the state in which the user's head and neck are positioned on the body (100), the first sensor (310) may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's 1st or 2nd cervical vertebra of the body (100), and the second sensor (320) may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's 6th or 7th cervical vertebra of the body (100).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the first sensor (310) can collect first tilt angle-related data (data necessary to calculate angle x or x of FIG. 8), and the second sensor (320) can collect second tilt angle-related data (data necessary to calculate angle y or y of FIG. 8). Here, the angle x and the angle y may refer to an angle at which the sensor is tilted from a horizontal plane in the width direction of the body (100) (i.e., a width direction tilt angle).

[0080] The data analysis unit (330) can estimate the cervical curve angle based on the first tilt angle-related data (e.g., angle x) and the second tilt angle-related data (e.g., angle y) obtained from the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the sum of the angles x and y may be equal to the cervical curve angle.

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates a functional pillow according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 9, the body (100) may include an inclined portion (110) formed on one side and the other side of the body (100) in the longitudinal direction; and a concave portion (120) formed by the inclined portion (110). The user's head and neck may be rested on the concave portion (120). Accordingly, when the user sleeps on the functional pillow (10), the user's neck may be guided to be positioned adjacent to the first sensor (310) and the second sensor (320).

[0083] The height adjustment means (400) is coupled to the body (100) and can adjust the height of at least a portion of the body (100). For example, the height adjustment means (400) can be provided inside the body (100).

[0084] If the user's cervical curve angle deviates from a predetermined (i.e., preset) numerical range, the control unit (200) controls the height adjustment means (400) so that the cervical curve angle falls within the predetermined numerical range, thereby adjusting the height of at least a portion of the body (100).

[0085] The control unit (200) can control the height adjustment means (400) to adjust the height of at least a portion of the body (100) so that the cervical curve angle can be measured when the user's cervical curve angle is not measured (for example, when the cervical curve angle is not formed at the back of the neck, etc.).

[0086] In some embodiments, the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle may be determined based on the user's cervical disc disease grade. For example, the higher the user's cervical disc disease grade (i.e., the more severe the cervical disc disease), the lower and upper limits of the preset numerical range of the cervical curve angle may be reduced.

[0087] For example, if the user is a patient with a normal cervical disc, the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle may be 31° to 45° or 31° to 40°. Additionally, if the user is a patient with a cervical disc, the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle may be 21° to 30°.

[0088] In some embodiments, the height adjustment means (400) may include a shape-variable portion and a driving portion that drives the shape-variable portion. The shape-variable portion may change shape under the control of the driving portion, thereby changing the height of at least a portion of the body (100).

[0089] In one embodiment, the shape variable member may be provided at a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100). For example, the shape variable member may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's neck on the body (100).

[0090] In one embodiment, the shape variable member may be provided at a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra when the user's head and neck are positioned on the body (100). For example, the shape variable member may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra of the body (100).

[0091] In one embodiment, the shape-variable member may include a support member, such as a plate-shaped member or a cylindrical member; and a frame connected to the support member. For example, the frame may be physically extended and contracted by a driving member, thereby allowing the support member to reciprocate. Accordingly, the height of at least a portion of the body (100) may be adjusted.

[0092] Fig. 10 illustrates the structure of a height adjustment means according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 11 to 13 illustrate a functional pillow equipped with a height adjustment means according to one embodiment of the present invention (however, the sensor portion is not illustrated).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a height adjustment means (400) according to one embodiment may include an air bag (410) having a chamber for receiving air; an air pump (420) for providing air; an air control valve (430) for providing air provided from the air pump (420) to the chamber or discharging air received in the chamber; and a driving unit (440) for driving the air pump (420).

[0094] FIG. 11 illustrates that the air pump (420) and the air control valve (430) are provided on the outside of the body (100), but this is for convenience of explanation, and the air pump (420) and the air control valve (430) may be provided on the inside of the body (100).

[0095] In one embodiment, the airbag (410) may be provided in a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100). For example, the airbag (410) may be provided in a position corresponding to the user's neck on the body (100).

[0096] In one embodiment, the airbag (410) may be provided at a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra when the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100). For example, the airbag (410) may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra of the body (100).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 12, a height adjustment means (400) according to one embodiment may include a first airbag (411) provided in a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100); and a second airbag (412) provided in a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's head.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first airbag (411) may be provided at a portion of the body (100) adjacent to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra when the user's head and neck are secured to the body (100). For example, the first airbag (411) may be provided at a position corresponding to the user's third or fourth cervical vertebra of the body (100).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13, a height adjustment means (400) according to one embodiment may include a first-first airbag (413) and a first-second airbag (414) provided to correspond to both sides of the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body (100); and a second-first airbag (415) and a second-second airbag (416) provided to correspond to both sides of the user's head.

[0100] The storage unit (500) can store data used in the components of the functional pillow (10), software for the operation of the components of the functional pillow (10), programs, and commands. For example, the storage unit (500) can include RAM such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.; ROM; EEPROM; HDD; SSD; flash storage means, etc.

[0101] The communication unit (600) can perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals with other devices (e.g., user devices). The communication unit (600) can perform wired or wireless communication and process signals under the control of the control unit (201).

[0102] For example, the communication unit (600) may include an RF circuit, antenna, etc. for wireless communication, or may include a connection terminal, a modem, a driver module, etc. for wired communication. For example, the communication unit (202) may support at least one of various communication protocols, such as cellular communication such as LTE and 5G, short-range wireless communication such as WiFi and Bluetooth, and short-range wired communication such as Ethernet.

[0103] In some embodiments, the functional pillow (10) may further include a height change data analysis unit (not shown). The communication unit (600) may transmit data analyzed by the height change data analysis unit to the user device (20).

[0104] In one embodiment, the height change data analysis unit can calculate the total change in height of the body (100) based on a predetermined period of time. The control unit (200) can reset the numerical range value of the preset cervical curve angle based on the total change in height of the body (100) based on the predetermined period of time.

[0105] For example, the control unit (200) can reset the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle so that the total change in height of the body (100) over a predetermined period of time becomes smaller. Accordingly, cervical correction can be performed gradually without putting a load on the user's neck.

[0106] In one embodiment, the height change data analysis unit can calculate a rolling average of the height change of the body (100) per unit time. The control unit (200) can reset the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle based on the rolling average value of the height change of the body (100) per unit time.

[0107] For example, the control unit (200) can reset the numerical range of the preset cervical curve angle so that the rolling average value of the height change of the body (100) per unit time decreases. Accordingly, cervical correction can be performed gradually without placing a load on the user's neck. In particular, in this case, protrusion values ​​due to unique circumstances can be excluded, thereby preventing data distortion.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an example in which a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention described above is applied to a pillow cover.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 14, a functional pillow cover (1000) may include a cover body (1100) and a sensor unit (1200) that measures a user's cervical curve angle. The functional pillow cover (1000) may further include a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, etc. For example, the communication unit may transmit the cervical curve angle measured by the cover sensor unit (1200) to the user device (20).

[0110] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (1200) may include a first cover sensor (1210), a second cover sensor (1220), and a cover sensor data analysis unit (not shown). As for the cover sensor unit (1200), the contents related to the sensor unit (200) described above may be applied as is, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] The functional pillow cover (1000) can be combined with the upper surface of the pillow (2000). For example, the functional pillow cover (1000) may further include a member for combining with the pillow (2000) (e.g., a member for securing the pillow cover to the pillow by surrounding the pillow in a band shape, etc.).

[0112] The pillow (2000) may include a pillow body (2100) and a height adjustment unit (2200) for adjusting the height of the pillow (2000). The pillow (2000) may further include a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, etc. The height of the pillow (2000) may be adjusted in conjunction with a functional pillow cover (1000) or a user device (20).

[0113] In one embodiment, the height adjustment unit (2200) may include an air bag (2210), an air pump (2220), an air control valve (2230), and a driving unit (not shown). Since the aforementioned contents of the height adjustment means (400) can be applied to the height adjustment unit (2200), a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] All embodiments and conditional examples disclosed in this specification are intended to help those skilled in the art understand the principles and concepts of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0115] [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10: Functional pillow 20: User device

[0117] 100: Body 110: Slope

[0118] 120: Concave part 200: Control part

[0119] 300: Sensor section 310: First sensor

[0120] 320: Second sensor 330: Data analysis unit

[0121] 400: Height adjustment means 410, 2210: Airbag

[0122] 411: First airbag 412: Second airbag

[0123] 413: Airbag 1-1 414: Airbag 1-2

[0124] 415: Airbag 2-1 416: Airbag 2-2

[0125] 420, 2220: Air pump 430, 2230: Air control valve

[0126] 440: Drive unit 500: Storage unit

[0127] 600: Communication Department 1000: Functional Pillow Cover

[0128] 1100: Cover body 1200: Cover sensor part

[0129] 1210: First cover sensor 1220: Second cover sensor

[0130] 2000: Pillow 2100: Pillow Body

[0131] 2200: Height adjustment unit

Claims

1. Body; A sensor unit coupled to the above body and measuring the cervical curve angle of the user while the user's head and neck are positioned on the above body; A height adjusting means inserted into the interior of the body and adjusting the height of at least a part of the body; and A functional pillow comprising a control unit that controls the height adjustment means so that the cervical curve angle falls within a predetermined numerical range.

2. In claim 1, A functional pillow wherein the above-mentioned numerical range is 31° to 40°.

3. In claim 1, A functional pillow in which the above-mentioned numerical range is determined based on the user's cervical disc disease grade.

4. In claim 1, The above sensor part is inserted into the inside of the body, A functional pillow provided on a part of the body adjacent to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are resting on the body.

5. In claim 1, The above sensor part, A first sensor provided on a part of the body adjacent to the first or second cervical vertebra of the user when the head and neck of the user are placed on the body, and which collects data related to the inclination angle; A second sensor, which is provided on a part of the body adjacent to the 6th or 7th cervical vertebra of the user when the user's head and neck are placed on the body, and collects data related to the tilt angle; and A functional pillow comprising a data analysis unit that calculates the cervical curve angle based on first tilt angle-related data obtained from the first sensor and second tilt angle-related data obtained from the second sensor.

6. In claim 5, A functional pillow, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor include at least one of a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor.

7. In claim 5, A functional pillow, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are provided parallel to the width direction of the body.

8. In claim 5, A functional pillow, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned on the same plane and in the same straight line.

9. In claim 5, A functional pillow, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are adjacent to the upper surface of the body.

10. In claim 1, The above height adjustment means, A shape-variable member for changing the shape to adjust the height of at least a portion of the body; and A functional pillow comprising a driving unit that drives the above-mentioned shape-variable unit.

11. In claim 10, A functional pillow in which the shape-variable part is provided at a position corresponding to the user's neck when the user's head and neck are placed on the body.

12. In claim 10, A functional pillow in which the shape variable portion is adjacent to the third or fourth cervical vertebra of the user when the user's head and neck are placed on the body.

13. In claim 1, The above height adjustment means, An air bag comprising a chamber for receiving air; Air pump that provides air; An air control valve that supplies air provided from the air pump to the chamber or discharges air contained in the chamber; and A functional pillow comprising a driving unit that drives the air pump.

14. In claim 1, Further comprising a height change data analysis unit that calculates the total change in height of the body over a given period of time, A functional pillow, wherein the control unit resets the predetermined numerical range based on the total change value.

15. In claim 1, Further comprising a height change data analysis unit for calculating a rolling average of the height change of the body per unit time, A functional pillow, wherein the control unit resets the predetermined numerical range based on the rolling average value.

16. Cover body; A communication unit provided inside the above cover body and performing transmission and reception with a user device; and A functional pillow cover, comprising: a cover sensor section provided inside the cover body and configured to measure a cervical curve angle of a user while the user's head and neck are positioned on the cover body.

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