You need to see what the output of your sensor is, and then adapt it to another type sensor circuit (one way) or design a circuit to give you the results you are after when the sensor send the circuit the output (of the sensor). I am sure there is some type of detectors out there. But for now, learn the sensor chip..
It is the outout digital or analog? Get the sensor on a breadboard working.
Check with a scope of meter, let us know the output and then we can help you.
If you do not do that much, you might as well award electro-tech your diploma.