Optical Encoder

An optical encoder for measuring movement, the optical encoder configured to:

• output light from at least one light source;
• move a movable pattern positioned relative to the at least one light source, the pattern comprising regions of varying reflectivity;
• modulate the light from the at least one light source onto at least one photodetector in response to movement of the pattern;
• and
• detect the light reflected off the movable pattern in the at least one photodetector at a detection rate comprising detection instants in regular intervals.

User equipment comprising an optical encoder for measuring movement, the optical encoder comprising:

• at least one light source for outputting light,
• a movable pattern;
• and
• at least one photodetector for detecting the light reflected off the movable pattern, the movable pattern comprising regions of varying reflectivity for modulating the light from the at least one light source onto the at least one photodetector in response to movement of the pattern, wherein the at least one photodetector is configured to detect the light at a detection rate comprising detection instants in regular intervals.

Method for measuring movement, the method comprising:

• outputting light from at least one light source;
• moving a movable pattern positioned relative to the at least one light source, the pattern comprising regions of varying reflectivity;
• modulating the light from the at least one light source onto a photodetector in response to movement of the pattern;
• and
• detecting the light reflected off the movable pattern in the at least one photodetector at a detection rate comprising detection instants in regular intervals.