1. An Optical Projection Encoder (“OPE”) having an emitter module for transmitting emitted optical radiation to a moving object and a detector module for receiving reflected optical radiation from the moving object, the OPE comprising: a transmissive layer covering both the emitter module and the detector module; and a mask located between the transmissive layer and the moving object, wherein the emitted optical radiation is passed through the mask, with the mask generating an image of a predetermined pattern that is reflected from the moving object to the detector module together with an image of the surface texture of the moving object.