Pepperpot

Pepperpot was produced for my final year project in BSc (Hons) in Multimedia Computing and is a recipe selection tool that runs on a mobile platform.

The aim of the project was to investigate the use of Expert Systems methodology in a non-standard area of knowledge, namely the decision making process that a professional chef goes through when deciding what to cook.

Since Expert Systems methodology is normally employed in very scientific or academic areas of expertise, e.g. to diagnose different types of cancer, this project was a successful attempt at expanding application of the approach.

Using a series of screens to elicit input, Pepperpot returns a focused set of results that are matched to the dining preferences of the user rather than relying on a text input 'nearest neighbour' search algorithm.

Specifically, Pepperpot gathers information on:

• Type of meal and course to be prepared
• Vegan or vegetarian preferences
• Main ingredient to use (e.g. Beef)
• Style of food to prepare (e.g. Chinese)
• Length of time to cook
• Allergies
• Calories in the meal
• Style of cooking (e.g. frying)

By choosing to code on a mobile platform, Pepperpot also offers the benefit of being able to carry around a large and varied selection of recipes in a convenient device like a PDA.

Want to give Pepperpot a try?

Pepperpot is packaged as a J2ME JAR file and I will be happy to share it with anyone who would like to see how the program works and my coding approach so drop me an email and I will send it over.

Yes, I know I could add it as an Applet but hey, it's a mobile program so I believe you should experience it in it's native format!!