Everybody here is probably aware of the Sharp distance sensors (GP2Y0 series, e.g. GP2Y0A02YK0F). They use a diode to emit infrared light and measure the angle of the reflected light with a PSD (i.e. they do triangulation). They seem to be the only producers of this technology.
I am only aware of a few similar but incomparable devices (sensors of ambient light and distance or proximity like Si114x). Which other comparable products are out there?
Another way to ask this question: "What are the different ways to build a 10cm - 200cm range low-cost IR range sensor, and what is an example of each of those ways?"