Camera system including a proximity sensor and related methods

A method of transmitting or receiving communication data using a proximity sensor configured to generate proximity data representative of a nearby object using optical signals, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to receive both an incoming optical signal comprising an optical proximity signal and configured to receive an incoming optical signal comprising an optical wireless communication signal modulated in accordance with an optical wireless communication scheme;

• and wherein the proximity sensor comprises:
• an emitter configured to produce an outgoing optical signal comprising at least one of a proximity signal or a modulated communication data signal;
• and
• a processing resource configured to perform a demodulation process in respect of at least part of the incoming optical signal to obtain incoming communication data and configured to transmit the incoming communication data and the proximity data in parallel via a first data interface and a second data interface respectively,
• wherein the incoming communication data is carried by a first data stream and is transmitted over the first data interface and the proximity data is carried by a second data stream and is transmitted over the second data interface, and
• wherein the second data interface is configured to transmit data at a lower rate than the first data interface
• the method comprising at least one of:
• using an emitter of the proximity sensor to emit light comprising a modulated wireless communication signal;
• or
• using a receiver of the proximity sensor to receive light comprising an optical wireless communication signal;
• generating an electrical signal by the receiver in response to the light received;
• and
• processing, by the processing resource of the proximity sensor, at least part of the electrical signal to obtain incoming communication data from the optical wireless communication signal.