Device and method for monitoring beverages and food preparations

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device for determining whether a knockout drug has been added, comprising a receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for a beverage or a food preparation, and a detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) which is associated with the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) and has a weighing cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3). A special characteristic is the fact that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is connected to an analysis unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3), the analysis unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) comprising a filter for checking the measurement signal from the weighing cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) for an increase in the net weight in the receiving vessel (1.1, 1.2, 1.3), which increase can be attributed to a knockout drug having been added, and being connected to a warning system (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) for correspondingly outputting a knockout-drug warning.

Description

[0001] Device and method for monitoring beverages and food preparations

[0002] The invention relates to a monitoring device for a beverage or food preparation for detecting an unauthorized addition of a knockout agent.

[0003] The danger posed by sedative substances, so-called knockout drugs, in the preparation and concealment of subsequent offenses such as robbery and sexual offenses is increasingly attracting public attention. Statistics on drug-related violence show fewer crimes in which the administration of knockout drugs was relevant to the crime compared to cases in which the victim was under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs such as cocaine. Nevertheless, the abuse of sedative substances is believed to be a deeper problem, as a high number of unreported cases is suspected due to the fact that involuntary use of knockout drugs cannot be proven in most suspected cases.What is particularly problematic is that the detection window for a wide range of strongly sedative chemical substances closes after just a few hours of ingestion, during which time those affected experience a complete loss of continuity of experience and are unable to arrange for an examination themselves.

[0004] Even hair samples taken subsequently from a drug victim to determine whether drugs have entered their body often do not provide sufficient evidence because some of the substances considered as knockout drugs are known to be party drugs in lower doses, meaning that proof of involuntary use cannot be proven beyond doubt. The subsequent victim is often also a user of alcohol or opiates, which are known to potentiate the effects of knockout drugs, making it fundamentally difficult to prove that anterograde amnesia was deliberately sought by an offender with a low dose of knockout drugs. The knockout drugs used are usually colorless substances with a slight odor and taste. Benzodiazepines, among others, have these properties; as components of tranquilizers and sedatives, they are subject to the Narcotics Act in Germany.A benzodiazepine overdose, especially when taken with other drugs such as alcohol, can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and cardiac arrhythmias. To make their use as knockout drugs more difficult, pharmaceutical manufacturers add bittering agents to benzodiazepine-containing medications and use additives that cause a clearly visible discoloration when dissolved in water.

[0005] Another substance known as a date rape drug is gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, "liquid ecstasy"). Taking a small amount in the range of 0.5–1.5 g can produce a stimulating effect in an average-weight adult, making GHB a popular party drug with a euphoric effect. With increasingly higher doses up to approximately 2.5 g, a significant increase in mood and drive is observed. However, at even higher doses, this effect reverses, resulting in increasing confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness, accompanied by a strong sedative effect. When GHB is used as a date rape drug, the goal is to induce an overdose that renders the victim helpless, usually resulting in prolonged unconsciousness. A sedative-hypnotic intermediate state, described as a loss of muscle control, can also occur.

[0006] Gamma-butyrolacetone (GBL) is also considered a knockout drug. This solvent, widely used in industry, is found in products such as graffiti and nail polish removers. Due to its broad technical applicability, GBL is not an illegal substance subject to the Narcotics Act. Ingestion of GBL into the human organism is dangerous, as it is converted into GHB in the body. Metabolism occurs very quickly due to its short plasma half-life of 60 seconds. Other substances known to be abused as knockout drugs belong to the class of hypnotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants with strong sedative effects. A further danger is the misuse of ketamine, an anesthetic not subject to the Narcotics Act.

[0007] Due to the wide range of substances known to act as knockout drugs, direct evidence of unauthorized addition to a drink or food preparation at an event, such as a party, is a challenging task. However, this would be necessary to investigate whether a knockout drug had been added to the drink or food in the absence of the owner of the drink or food.

[0008] US 2021 / 169 250 A1 proposes a measuring system with a sensor array that can be inserted into a drinking vessel. Substance-specific antibodies are immobilized on a carrier, such as a glass rod, forming a layer. Detection of a substance under investigation is then achieved by determining the increase in mass of the antibody layer due to adhering antigen-antibody complexes. While designs are possible for which foreign substance analysis can be carried out largely unnoticed in public, sampling with highly specific test media is a less practical method for securing beverages in a party setting.

[0009] Alternatively, to ward off knockout attacks, it has been proposed to equip a drinking vessel with a protective lid featuring a movement detection mechanism. Examples include US 2016 / 275 763 A1, CH 715 569 A2, and DE 20 2013 004 503 U1. These describe arrangements of acceleration sensors that detect the lifting or shifting of the protective lid, whereupon a warning is issued indicating the danger of a foreign substance being added. A visual or acoustic warning signal on the protective lid, or a corresponding warning transmitted by a signal processing device to the user's mobile device, is conceivable. A disadvantage of the known protective lids on containers for beverages and food preparations is their conspicuous visibility. Such an obvious protective measure is often viewed as overly cautious and is often dismissed as being contrary to the festive spirit.Another disadvantage is that the user has to manually place this lid back on the beverage to be secured, so that this security is only ensured by user interaction every time the user leaves the premises.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of providing a monitoring device for a beverage or food preparation that enables the most discreet detection of unauthorized addition of foreign substances. Furthermore, a monitoring method is sought that preferably discreetly detects the tampering of beverages and food preparations, and in particular the unauthorized addition of knockout drugs, before consumption and provides the user with a warning.

[0011] The invention is based on a monitoring device for determining the presence of a knockout agent, comprising a receptacle for a beverage or food preparation and a detection unit associated with the receptacle and having a load cell. According to the invention, the detection unit is connected to an evaluation unit, which includes a filter for checking the measurement signal of the load cell for a fill weight increase in the receptacle attributable to the presence of a knockout agent. Furthermore, the detection unit is connected to a warning system for the corresponding output of a knockout agent warning.

[0012] To assign the detection unit to the receiving vessel, the detection unit can be present in a separate attachment part which is coupled to the receiving vessel, preferably at the bottom. In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection unit is completely accommodated in a cavity of the receiving vessel, typically in a base part. In a further advantageous alternative, the detection unit is located in a base part on which the receiving vessel can be placed. The load cell of the detection unit preferably measures continuously in a time-discrete manner (whereby continuous is meant quasi-continuously), whereby for an arrangement in an attachment part coupled to the bottom or in a base part, the total weight of the receiving vessel and the contents therein is recorded. To check the measurement signal of the load cell for a knockout.A change in weight is used to determine the increase in fill weight in the receiving vessel attributable to the addition of the agent, so that, for a simple and cost-effective implementation, taring is not absolutely necessary for the absolute determination of the fill weight of the receiving vessel. However, another embodiment of the invention provides for an initial fill weight determination, which can be performed using a load cell in direct contact with the contents of the receiving vessel. Alternatively, the empty weight of the receiving vessel is determined before filling.

[0013] The evaluation unit, which has a filter for checking the load cell's measurement signal, can be implemented as a physical arrangement with digital components, for example, a microcontroller. A preferred alternative is an app-based implementation that runs on a user's mobile device or on an external server. Furthermore, the warning system connected to the detection unit can be configured to issue a knockout warning via a physical signaling device, such as a warning light, or additionally or alternatively as part of an app that displays a corresponding warning on the user's mobile device.

[0014] Furthermore, a multi-part, distributed design of the warning system is advantageous, for which a warning on the mobile device can be triggered by a signal from the evaluation unit, wherein a further part of the warning system is preferably arranged in the region of the receiving vessel. This further part of the warning system represents an additional signaling device which can be accessed by the evaluation unit and / or the detection unit located in the region of the receiving vessel. A design is preferred for which the additional signaling device can be activated by the detection unit independently of the evaluation unit. For a first design of the filter of the evaluation unit, weight loss is assumed to be due to the consumption of a beverage or the preparation of food by the user, while weight gain represents a potential risk: In this case, knock-out agents may have been added.For this purpose, the current fill weight change or a temporal sequence of fill weight changes is determined from the time-discrete measurement signals of the load cell. The filter then checks whether a positive fill weight change, i.e., a weight increase, has occurred that exceeds the detection threshold and persists for a sufficiently long period of time to rule out a short-term error event. In this case, the load cell measurement signal is attributable to a knockout agent admixture, and the detection unit transmits a signal to the warning system to issue a knockout agent warning.

[0015] An advantageous further development of the evaluation unit's filter is intended to distinguish between typical, inconspicuous events when handling a beverage or food preparation, such as moving the container on a surface or refilling, and a positive change in fill weight caused by the addition of a substance or mixture. For this purpose, a load cell that responds to the addition of small quantities is preferably used. The use of a load cell with a resolution in the sub-gram range is advantageous, with a measurement accuracy of less than 100 mg being preferred. A design for an accuracy of less than 10 mg is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, it is preferable to record the change in fill weight with a high temporal resolution. The query can be made every 10 seconds or at shorter time intervals.A design that uses high sampling frequencies that enable a detailed temporal resolution of a change in fill weight is particularly advantageous, with a sampling frequency greater than 1 Hz and in particular greater than / equal to 8 Hz having proven advantageous. Such a high sampling frequency, in combination with high load cell accuracy, enables an improved differentiation between the instillation of a small amount and an increase in weight that occurs due to regular refilling. For a further simple design of the filter of the evaluation unit, an upper threshold value is specified in it. This assumes that regular refilling of the receiving vessel differs from the dosing of a small amount, which is typical for the addition of a knockout agent, with regard to the volume supplied and the inflow velocity.If the accumulation of a sequence of positive fill weight changes within a specified time frame exceeds the upper threshold, regular refilling is assumed. If this is not the case and a sufficiently reliably detected positive fill weight change is measured, it is attributed to the addition of a knockout agent, and the detection unit activates the warning system accordingly. This assumes normal user attention, which means that a significantly changed fill level in the receiving vessel will be immediately noticed and either recognized as intentional or immediately as misuse. Monitoring therefore focuses on detecting the addition of small quantities.

[0016] For a further development, it is preferable to design the filter settings so that they can be dynamically changed. In the case of the threshold described above for indicating a regular refill, for example, a threshold value can be set when the receptacle is initially filled with a beverage or food preparation using an automated process. In a preferred embodiment, taring occurs during the initial filling, enabling the load cell to record the fill weight in the receptacle. In addition, an input can be used to specify whether a spirit or a non-alcoholic beverage is being poured. For the latter, a larger volume addition is to be expected when refilling, and therefore the upper threshold value stored in the filter must be set accordingly higher.Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, it is possible to adjust the parameters of the filter by user input on a mobile device.

[0017] If the inclination of the receiving vessel changes during the measurement, the measured value of the load cell will be changed by the inclination alone, since the load cell typically only moves in one axis, namely the vertical axis with the evaluation unit aligned horizontally. If the evaluation unit is tilted, the force measured by the load cell decreases. If the evaluation unit is aligned horizontally again, the measured force increases. This can lead to a false warning.

[0018] To compensate for this, it is preferably provided that the evaluation unit has a sensor that measures an inclination relative to the horizontal. Such a sensor is, for example, a position sensor. A correction factor can be determined from the measured value of the position sensor, which is incorporated into the evaluation of the measured value of the load cell and compensates for any change in inclination. It is preferably provided that a defined horizontal is set as the reference point, and the correction factor is designed to compensate for the inclination relative to this defined horizontal.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit is designed as part of the receiving vessel. It is conceivable to incorporate the load cell into a base part, for example, of a glass, thus making it possible to directly record the weight of a poured beverage and, in particular, the changes in fill weight that occur over time.

[0020] It can be provided that the part of the container designed to hold the beverage or food is designed to be movable relative to a lower part, at least in the direction of the weight force. The part holding the beverage or food is then supported relative to the lower part via the load cell, allowing a direct weight measurement.

[0021] In another embodiment, it can be provided that the load cell processes the hydrostatic pressure resulting from a beverage filling to detect a change in fill weight. In this case, it is advantageous to provide an extended sensor system, in particular an inclination sensor, in addition to the load cell in the detection unit to correct measurement errors, so that the orientation of a liquid level in the receptacle can be determined. In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection unit represents a separate component that is detachably connected to the receptacle for its functional position. It is possible to accommodate the detection unit in an attachment part that is coupled to the base of the receptacle and that can be dismantled again before cleaning a dirty receptacle.It is preferred to attach an attachment with the detection unit to the bottom of the receptacle, which is carried out before the initial filling of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the detection unit provides automatic taring for the load cell, which is initiated, for example, when the receptacle, equipped with the attachment at the bottom, is placed on a support surface. A beverage can then be poured or a meal prepared on the receptacle. Monitoring this process with the load cell provides information on the initial fill weight, so that the filter can be specifically adjusted, for example, to determine a typical refill quantity.

[0022] To further develop the invention, a decoupling detector is provided in the monitoring device when designed as an attachment. This detector detects unauthorized separation of the receiving vessel from the attachment and triggers the corresponding warning, independent of the load cell measurement in the detection unit and the classification of the resulting fill weight changes by the filter. A tamper-proof design of the decoupling detector is advantageous, whereby decoupling authorization can only be performed, for example, by the user of the monitoring device itself or by the professional staff of the event organizer, for example, using a digital certificate created when the attachment is attached.

[0023] In one alternative design, the detection unit is incorporated into a base on which the receiving container is placed. For beverage dispensing, the base can be designed on the visible top side like a typical coaster, such as a beer mat. The detection unit with the load cell is concealed within. A possible use is to initially place the receiving container empty onto the base with the detection unit, allowing automatic taring.

[0024] For a simplified monitoring device design, the evaluation unit and the warning system can be integrated into a single component, along with the detection unit. A preferred design is a base on which the container rests when serving drinks or food. It is conceivable that, in the event of a suspected knockout drug attack, the warning system could cause a color change on the top of the base or emit a light signal. For better recognition, an acoustic signal can be used alternatively or in addition.

[0025] For a discrete implementation of the monitoring device according to the invention, the warning system is housed separately from the detection unit. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the warning system is implemented as a warning app on a user's mobile device. Preferably, the evaluation unit, and thus the signal analysis by the filter, is also implemented on the mobile device together with the warning system.

[0026] Data exchange between the detection unit and the evaluation unit occurs wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth or a near-field transmission technology, such as RFID technology. It is advantageous to use an encrypted communication connection with protection against signal and message manipulation. Both communication partners monitor secure data transmission using protocols. In the event of a connection interruption or suspected data corruption, each communication partner can issue a warning independently of the other. Therefore, it is advantageous to equip the detection unit with an additional signaling device associated with the warning system, in addition to the part of the warning system implemented on the user's mobile device.

[0027] Wireless short-range data transmission also offers the possibility of determining a distance signal based on the signal strength of the communication connection between the detection unit and the evaluation unit. This distance signal provides information about the user's distance from the container to be monitored. This is done by a first user distance determination unit assigned to the detection unit and / or a second user distance determination unit assigned to the mobile device. Alternatively, such a distance signal can be detected independently of the communication signal strength if the spatially separated parts of the monitoring device are each equipped with an acceleration sensor, which enables the determination of a movement pattern.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the filter setting is automatically changed if a distance value representing the distance between the user and the receptacle to be monitored exceeds a critical value. This can occur if the user leaves the receptacle unattended. Due to the increased risk of tampering in this situation, closer monitoring and faster alarm triggering are preferred. Accordingly, the monitoring system automatically switches to a critical monitoring mode if a signal connection is disrupted, even though the user is near the receptacle. For this purpose, the filter can be set for an "unattended situation," whereby any vibration to the receptacle is classified as critical and immediately leads to the warning system issuing a warning signal.In an advantageous further development, the monitoring device additionally comprises an environmental sensor, in particular a proximity sensor and / or a motion sensor, which is connected to the evaluation unit, with the evaluation unit being connected to the additional signaling device. If the environmental sensor triggers in the absence of the user, tampering is generally suspected. This can also be used to detect an unattended replacement of the contents of the receptacle, for example, with a beverage of the same weight.

[0029] A difficult-to-detect form of manipulation occurs when a knockout agent is added at the same time as part of the contents of the receptacle is removed. Masked in this way, the load cell will detect a constantly decreasing weight and thus output a negative change in the fill weight. In this case, the filter for an "unattended situation" can classify any weight change, and thus also a weight loss, as critical and attribute it to the addition of a knockout agent. Furthermore, the determination of a distance value can be used to ensure that a change to the system settings and / or authorization for deliberate manipulation of the contents of the receptacle can only be made when the user is in the immediate vicinity of the receptacle.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device according to the invention comprises additional environmental sensors. The use of a microphone and / or a brightness sensor is advantageous. Using a microphone, an external interference, such as a low-frequency oscillation triggered by a subwoofer, can be more easily distinguished from a dripping event during signal analysis by the filter.

[0031] A brightness sensor provides information about the occurrence of an increased risk when a festive event is temporarily darkened. In this case, too, during the period of lightlessness deemed critical, a switch can be made to a filter setting associated with a high-risk situation and / or to the critical monitoring mode described above, with a warning triggered independently of the load cell measurement.

[0032] A preferred further development involves taring and recording the initial filling weight of the monitoring device. If, in addition, an assignment to a beverage category is made based on user input, the determination of an accumulated filling weight change allows an estimate of the user's alcohol consumption. Since knockout drugs are known to be more effective in combination with alcohol, this can be taken into account when setting a dynamic filter. From a certain level of intoxication, an automatic switch to the critical monitoring mode is then preferably carried out, with an alarm triggered by a measurement signal from a proximity sensor and / or a motion sensor. The monitoring method corresponding to the monitoring device can be characterized as follows:

[0033] Monitoring method for determining the admixture of a knockout agent to a beverage in a receptacle or to a food preparation served therein, wherein a change in the weight of the beverage or food preparation is recorded continuously and at discrete times by means of a detection unit having a load cell, and an evaluation unit connected to the detection unit examines the change in weight by means of a filter for an increase in the filling weight in the receptacle that is attributed to the admixture of a knockout agent, and in the event of a detected admixture of a knockout agent, a warning about the knockout agent is issued by means of a warning system connected to the evaluation unit.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below in conjunction with figures. These schematically show the following:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a part of the first embodiment in the decoupled state in perspective view.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the monitoring method according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the inventive

[0039] Monitoring device.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the monitoring device 1.1 according to the invention as a partial section. Shown are a receptacle 2.1 in the form of a beverage glass and an attachment 3 coupled to it, which has a detection unit 4.1 with a load cell 5.1 on the bottom. A power supply 6.1 with a battery is assigned to the detection unit 4.1. Furthermore, the monitoring device 1 comprises an evaluation unit 7.1 and a warning system 8.1, which are implemented on a mobile device 9, such as a smartphone. The measurement signals from the load cell 5.1 are checked using a filter 10.1 assigned to the evaluation unit 7.1.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the monitoring method according to the invention, which is carried out with the monitoring device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The starting point is the uncoupled position shown in Figure 2, for which the receiving vessel 2.1 is not yet connected to the attachment part 3.

[0042] In a first method step, initialization A is performed, during which a secure communication connection is established between a first receiving unit 11, which is assigned to the detection unit 4.1 and accommodated in the attachment part 3, and a second receiving unit 12 in the mobile device 9. An encrypted near-field transmission technology with protection against signal and message manipulation is preferred for data exchange. Initialization A is concluded with the activation of monitoring of the communication connection by both communication partners. If an interruption in the communication connection or a corrupted signal is detected at the first receiving unit 11, a warning is issued by an additional signal device 13, which is accommodated in the attachment part 3 and is preferably designed as a warning LED that illuminates the glass receptacle in color.Accordingly, on the side of the mobile device 9, a part of the warning system 8.1 carried by the user is activated in the event of a connection interruption or an indication of signal manipulation.

[0043] The next method step is coupling B, for which the receptacle 2 is placed on the attachment part 3 and connected to it in a captive manner. The securing components used for this are not shown in detail. The use of form-fitting and / or force-fitting securing components or the application of a removable adhesive layer is conceivable. Following the mechanical coupling, monitoring of the coupling position is activated. For this purpose, a decoupling detector 14 is provided on the top side of the attachment part 3, which can be applied as a capacitive sensor, for example. Separation of the receptacle 2 from the attachment part 3 is signaled by the decoupling detector 14 to the detection unit 4.1. The detection unit will then activate a warning signal whenever there is no user authorization for the decoupling via the detection unit 4.1.This ensures that no unauthorized replacement of the receptacle can be carried out during the subsequent beverage monitoring.

[0044] Taring C follows as the next process step. Taring takes place after the receiving vessel 2 with the attachment 3 has been placed on a supporting surface, such as a table, in order to determine the initial fill weight. The user can initiate these measurements by making a corresponding control input via the mobile device 9, or a semi-automated version is used by starting taring after lifting and setting down again following coupling B and waiting for the completion of the weight increase of the coupled unit during the subsequent filling. In principle, the fill weight can also be determined in this step. For this purpose, the empty weight of the still empty receiving vessel 2 with the attachment 3 is determined in a first taring sub-step, and then the receiving vessel 2 is filled with a beverage. The fill weight is then measured in a second taring sub-step.This allows conclusions to be drawn in parallel about the amount of liquid consumed by the user, which amount can be displayed to a user via his mobile device 9.

[0045] The process step of determining a knockout agent admixture D then begins. Load cell 5.1 of detection unit 4.1 is designed such that the load weight of the entire coupled unit is continuously measured in a time-discrete manner when the unit is standing on a base. As long as the determination of a knockout agent admixture D is being carried out, the measured values ​​of load cell 5.1 are continuously transmitted to evaluation unit 7.1 in mobile device 9, which uses these to determine a temporal sequence of fill weight changes. The risk assessment is then carried out using filter 10.1 arranged in evaluation unit 7.1 to check the measurement signal of load cells 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 for a fill weight increase attributable to a knockout agent admixture. If a positive fill weight change, hence a weight increase, is detected, filter 10 determines.1 preferably determines whether this can be attributed to regular refilling of the receiving vessel based on a summation of all subsequent fill weight changes until a renewed stagnation occurs for a predetermined duration. In a first case, for which there is a user input on the mobile device authorizing refilling, a time window is defined in the filter 10.1 within which the consequence of the positive fill weight change must lie in order to be classified as harmless. For a second case, for which authorization was not granted by the user, the filter 10.1 checked whether a summed fill weight change was measured in a predetermined time interval that was above the trigger threshold and still below an upper threshold value that can be attributed to a minimum addition volume for regular pouring. In this case, the warning system 8.1 on the mobile device is informed of the risk of a K.-o - Addition of agent is activated. It is therefore assumed that the user either authorizes a desired refill in advance or that such a large volume is poured into the receptacle 3 that the user can easily recognize this as a desired addition and does not need to explicitly authorize it.

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the monitoring method includes evaluating the distance between the mobile device associated with the user's location and the receptacle to be monitored. For this purpose, a distance signal can be determined from the communication signal strength. If the distance signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is assumed that the user has left the receptacle unattended. In this case, the monitoring step for an unattended situation E is initiated. To reflect the now assumed increased risk of a knockout agent being added, the filter 10.1 switches to closer monitoring, for which every positive change in fill weight leads to the activation of the warning system 8.1. Furthermore, the signal from an additional sensor connected to the detection unit in the attachment part 3 is included in the monitoring.This is preferably a proximity sensor 15 and / or a motion sensor 16, which can be present as a combined sensor unit. Consequently, an approach and / or contact with the unattended receptacle 2.1 is detected, whereby in this case, the activation of a warning occurs immediately, without the need for classification by the filter 10.1. Both the warning system 8.1 in the mobile device 9 and the additional signal device 13 in the attachment part 3 are activated. If the user's return is detected by means of the distance signal, a switchover to the standard routine for determining a knockout agent admixture D occurs.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the monitoring device 1.2 according to the invention, fully integrated into the base of a receptacle 2.2 in the form of a drinking glass. It can be seen that a load cell 5.2 is provided for detecting the weight of a liquid filling in the receptacle 2.2. The load cell 5.2 is connected to a detection unit 4.2, to which an evaluation unit 7.2 with a filter 10.2 for detecting the addition of a knockout agent is assigned. In addition, a warning system 8.1 in the form of an LED, which can be activated by the evaluation unit 7.2, is provided. These components are hermetically sealed, so that the receptacle 2.2, together with the enclosed monitoring device 1.2, can be placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. Accordingly, the sealed power supply 6.2 is designed for inductive charging.

[0048] The second design enables direct measurement of fill weight changes in the receiving vessel 2.2, so that detection of the addition of a knockout agent is possible even without placing it on a support surface. This also results in a simplified and compact monitoring device 1.2 that does not necessarily require the use of a mobile device. To enable monitoring even when the user is holding the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2) in their hand or when the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2) is on an uneven surface, a position sensor 17 connected to the evaluation unit 7.1 is additionally provided, which makes it possible to determine any inclination of the receiving vessel 2.2 during handling. This allows correction of the measurement signals from the load cell 5.2, taking into account an inclined liquid level. Furthermore, patterns stored in the filter 10.2 can be used to detect vibration-induced movements of the liquid filling in the receiving vessel 2.2 and those for the detection of weight gain due to the administration of a knockout drug.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the monitoring device 1.3 according to the invention, which is designed as a base part 18 onto which a receptacle 2.3, in this case a plate for holding a food preparation, can be placed. The same reference numerals are used for the components identical to those in the previous embodiments. The illustrated further development of the monitoring device 1.3 according to the invention has a more complex filter 10.3 for the evaluation unit 7.3, which includes a Kl module 19. This allows the use of machine learning methods for the creation of patterns stored in the filter 10.3. Thus, vibration events due to cutlery interventions or the displacement of the receptacle 2.3 can be assigned in order to be able to filter out fill weight changes, which are typical for the addition of a knockout agent, from the measurement signals of the load cell 5.3 from much stronger, superimposed signals.

[0050] For an advantageous design, the base part 18 has a microphone 20 and a brightness sensor 21 as additional sensors. The microphone 20 allows sound, especially at low frequencies, to be recorded separately and this data can be used to fine-tune the measurement signal of the load cell 5.3. The brightness sensor 21 serves to automatically detect a brief dimming of a festivity, which carries an additional risk, so that switching to monitoring with a more narrowly adjusted filter 10.3 can take place. The invention has been described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of protection described by the applicable claims, numerous further embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to implement the inventive concept without these being limited to the scope of protection described by the applicable claims.

[0051] would need to be explained in more detail in the context of these remarks.

[0052] List of reference symbols

[0053] 1.1 , 1.2, 1.3 Monitoring device

[0054] 2.1. 2.2, 2.3 Receptacle

[0055] 3 Attachment part

[0056] 4.1. 4.2, 4.3 Detection unit

[0057] 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3 Load cell

[0058] 6.1 , 6.2 Power supply

[0059] 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3 Evaluation unit

[0060] 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3 Warning system

[0061] 9 Mobile device

[0062] 10.1 ,10.2,10.3 Filter

[0063] 11 first receiving unit

[0064] 12 second receiving unit

[0065] 13 Additional signaling device

[0066] 14 Decoupling detector

[0067] 15 Proximity sensor

[0068] 16 Motion sensor

[0069] 17 Position sensor

[0070] 18 Base part

[0071] 19 Class Module

[0072] 20 microphone

[0073] 21 Brightness sensor

[0074] A Initialization

[0075] B coupling

[0076] C Filling recording

[0077] D Detection of a knockout agent admixture

[0078] E Monitoring for an unguarded situation

Claims

Patent claims 1. Monitoring device for determining a knockout agent admixture, comprising a receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for a beverage or a food preparation and a measuring device (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) and having a load cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3), characterized in that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is connected to an evaluation unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3), wherein the evaluation unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) comprises a filter for checking the measurement signal of the load cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) for an increase in filling weight in the receiving vessel (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) attributable to the admixture of a knockout agent and is connected to a warning system (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) for the corresponding output of a knockout agent warning.

2. Monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit is connected to the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) associated environmental sensor is connected, wherein the environmental sensor comprises a proximity sensor (15) and / or a motion sensor (16) and / or a microphone (20) and / or a brightness sensor (20).

3. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the environmental sensor is connected to an additional signal device of the warning system (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) arranged in the region of the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

4. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a mobile device assigned to the user for receiving the evaluation unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) and / or for receiving part of a signal unit of the warning system (8.1, 8.2, 8.3), wherein a first user distance determination unit assigned to the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) and / or a a second user distance determination unit assigned to the mobile device is present.

5. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is integrated into the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

6. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is accommodated in an attachment part (3) which is detachably connected to the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for the functional position.

7. Monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) comprises a decoupling sensor (14) for detecting an unauthorized separation of the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) from the attachment part (3).

8. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection unit (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is accommodated in a base part (18) for the receiving vessel (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

9. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the filter for checking the measuring signal of the load cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) is designed to be dynamically variable.

10. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the load cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) has a resolution in the sub-gram range.

11. Monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the load cell (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) is designed for a time-discrete detection of a change in filling weight with a sampling frequency greater than 1 Hz.

12. Monitoring method for determining the admixture of a knockout agent to a beverage in a receptacle or to a food preparation presented therein, wherein a change in the weight of the beverage or food preparation is continuously recorded in a time-discrete manner by means of a detection unit having a load cell and the weight change is examined by an evaluation unit connected to the detection unit by means of a filter for an increase in the filling weight in the receptacle attributed to the addition of a knockout agent and in the case of a detected addition of a knockout agent, by means of a A knockout warning is issued by the warning system connected to the evaluation unit.

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