We describe the implementation of a non-contact motion encoder based on the Near-Sensor Image Processing (NSIP) concept. Rather than computing image displacements between frames we search for LEP stability as used successfully in a previously published Time-to-Impact detector. A LEP is a single pixel feature that is tracked during its motion. It is found that this results in a non-complex and fast implementation. As with other NSIP-based solutions, high dynamic range is obtained as the sensor adapts itself to the lighting conditions. © 2017, Society for Imaging Science and Technology.