Patent: Handheld with Linear Image Sensors

A third new patent this week reveals a handheld with outward-facing linear image sensors.

A what? It appears that such a device would have "linear image sensors" on all four sides, and be able to recognise a location of a finger, for example, or detect touch. It would even able to pinpoint objects on a surface - for example figures on a table - that have specific barcodes/markings. It could even detect a user's pulse rate.

Nintendo haven't been attributed to the patent, as such, however it is linked to an inventor for Nintendo's older patents. 

Could such a device be related to what Nintendo's conjuring up with Nintendo NX?

Do you think such a device would work in a gaming controller / portable?