We present a novel method for imaging acoustic communication between nocturnal animals. Investigating the spatio-temporal
calling behavior of nocturnal animals, e.g., frogs and crickets, has been difficult because of the need to distinguish many
animals’ calls in noisy environments without being able to see them. Our method visualizes the spatial and temporal dynamics
using dozens of sound-to-light conversion devices (called “Firefly”) and an off-the-shelf video camera. The Firefly, which
consists of a microphone and a light emitting diode, emits light when it captures nearby sound. Deploying dozens of Fireflies
in a target area, we record calls of multiple individuals through the video camera. We conduct two experiments, one indoors
and the other in the field, using Japanese tree frogs (Hyla japonica). The indoor experiment demonstrates that our method correctly visualizes Japanese tree frogs’ calling behavior. It has confirmed
the known behavior; two frogs call synchronously or in anti-phase synchronization. The field experiment (in a rice paddy where
Japanese tree frogs live) also visualizes the same calling behavior to confirm anti-phase synchronization in the field. Experimental
results confirm that our method can visualize the calling behavior of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
Keywords Sound imaging – Visualization – Acoustic communication – Nocturnal animal – Measurement method