Ask HN: Chop sticks and plates with sensors?

I have a problem I'd like to solve, and wonder if anyone has the type of knowledge that could lend advice:

My father-in-law is blind, and one of his daily problems is simply knowing where his food is on his plate. We typically describe the central plate like a clock: X at 12o'clock, Y at 6, etc; same thing with the small dishes around it

Bowls help him trap the food but not locate it or know when there isn't anymore, as chopsticks are hard to use to detect if they are touching anything or not.

I wonder what might be done with some simple sensors, one on the chopsticks, maybe an ear piece to "whisper" to him. He's very sensitive about being blind and doesn't like people making a big deal out loud.

I think that is clear enough, but feel free to ask follow up questions. I don't want to stifle the brainstorming by suggesting one route or another for solving this, just wondering what ideas might be viable.

TIA!