Quoting Sharp data sheet:
Also included in the package is a diode required for interfacing the detector to TTL/CMOS logic. Controlling the detector is done by lowering the input line, waiting for ~70ms, and then clocking the detector 8 times to read out the distance measurment on the output line. Each package includes a booklet that describes plugging together the connector, interfacing the detector to logic and the protocol used to take measurements using the GP2D02.
You must know a lot more than I do if you read the booklet.

Erik