Pixel domain field calibration of triangulation sensors

A method of field-calibrating a distance sensor comprising providing:

• an emitter configured to launch an electromagnetic signal;
• at least one sensing element configured to generate a detection signal in response to a reflection of the electromagnetic signal, the detection signal being a function of a position of the electromagnetic signal on the at least one sensing element;
• at least one memory module comprising at least one datastore correlating each of a plurality of measured distances to a corresponding position vector, the correlation being defined by a transfer function;
• and,
• operating a control circuit in a teach mode, to perform calibration operations comprising:
• operate the emitter to launch a first electromagnetic signal at a target located at a known distance from the at least one sensing element;
• receive from the at least one sensing element a first detection signal corresponding to a reflection of the first electromagnetic signal;
• determine a first position vector as a function of the first detection signal;
• receive a calibration distance signal corresponding to the known distance;
• and,
• if a difference between the known distance and a distance in the datastore correlated to the first position vector is greater than a calibration threshold, then generate, as a function of the calibration distance signal and the first position vector, a calibration constant configured to translate the transfer function by a substantially constant position value.