NL2018094B1 - Vehicle, license plate holder and method for mounting a transponder to a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle, including a license plate holder (1) for carrying a license plate (P), wherein the license plate holder (1) includes a front side (S) that is faced away from the respective vehicle, the front side of the holder (1) having a first area (A1) for receiving the plate (P) and a second area (A2) extending in parallel above or below the first area (A1), the second area (A2) for example configured for receiving text or information, wherein the license plate holder (1) includes a laser transponder (3) that is substantially covered by the second area (A2) of the front side (S), the second area (A2) including at least one light passage (5a, 5b) for allowing light transmission between the laser transponder (3) and surroundings of the vehicle (V).

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

Θ 2018094

BL PATENT (21) Application number: 2018094 (22) Application submitted: 29/12/2016

Int. Cl .:

G01S 7/495 (2017.01) G01S 7/481 (2017.01) B60R 13/10 (2017.01) G01S 17/02 (2017.01) G01S 17/93 (2017.01)

(T) Application registered: (73) Patent holder (s): 06/07/2018 Phyco Trading B.V. in Nijkerk. (43) Application published: - (72) Inventor (s): Johan Rijks in Nijkerk. (47) Patent granted: 06/07/2018 (m) Authorized representative: (45) Patent issued: ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague. 11/07/2018

© Vehicle, license plate holder and method for mounting a transponder to a vehicle (57) Vehicle, including a license plate holder (1) for carrying a license plate (P), holding the license plate holder (1) includes a front side ( S) that is facing away from the respective vehicle, the front side of the holder (1) having a first area (A1) for receiving the plate (P) and a second area (A2) extending in parallel above or below the first area (A1), the second area (A2) for example configured for receiving text or information, including the license plate holder (1) includes a laser transponder (3) that is substantially covered by the second area (A2) or the front side ( S), the second area (A2) including at least one light passage (5a, 5b) for allowing light transmission between the laser transponder (3) and surroundings of the vehicle (V).

NL Bl 2018094

This patent has been granted irrespective of the enclosed result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P113856NL00

Title: Vehicle, license plate holder and method for mounting a transponder to a vehicle

An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a license plate holder.

Also, the invention concerns a method for mounting a transponder to a vehicle

The invention is in particular related to a method and / or system for receiving and / or transmitting optical signals at / from a vehicle. An example of such a system is a vehicle-mountable system for detecting optical signals from a vehicle speed monitor (for example, a laser gun), which system can send back laser pulses to the speed monitor. The know system includes at least one laser transponder, configured to send and receive the respective signals.

Examples of laser transponders are described, for example, in US 5,793,476 (Laakman et al.), For example, a laser transponder developed by the company Lidatek. The known transponder is arranged to be placed on the front of a vehicle, to detect incoming optical signals (for example, coming from a speed monitor) and to send back jamming signals. For determining the optical jamming signals, a large number of different methods are known, for example, transmission of a fixed pattern (independent of the incoming signals), or transmission of jamming signals specifically depending on observed signals.

One of the disadvantages of the known system is that installation as such is relatively difficult. In addition, it is usually hard to find a suitable location for the transponder. Thus, such a transponder is typically mounted on a vehicle front side, so that it can properly receive incoming signals, and send jamming signals back in a suitable direction. Moreover, it is then relatively difficult to fit the transponder in a manner that does not impair the look of the vehicle. Moreover, the installed transponder can easily be damaged by objects entering during use, and is subject to rain and wind.

For example, US5,767,954 discloses to place the transponder on or at the front license plate of a vehicle. In particular, FIG. 6 of that publication shows a first laser transponder, including first and second connectors on opposite first and second ends and, respectively, or a transponder housing. The transponder connectors enable the laser transponder to be securely affixed to a compatible vehicle license plate cover that is connected along with the license plate to the vehicle.

US5,767,954 teaches to connect the laser transponder to the vehicle adjacent to a vehicle license plate, on a dedicated license plate cover. According to the publication, the housing of the first laser transponder is preferably painted the same color as the license plate cover in order to enable the laser transponder to blend in with the license plate cover and avoid theft of the laser transponder.

In addition, the first and second transponder connectors or the know device are structured to enable the angular orientation of the first laser transponder to be adjusted as necessary by a user of the vehicle to directly the laser transponder at the lidar speed monitor. After the dedicated license plate cover is mounted on the vehicle license plate, the vehicle user can loosen the first and second transponder connectors and pivot the first laser transponder about a line extending between the transponder connectors to a desired angular orientation.

The known license plate cover has been specially adapted and includes first and second sidewalls that project extends from a back wall of the housing extending between the first and second sidewalls. The forward projection of the first and second sidewalls the back wall allow the first laser transponder to pivot on the transponder connectors as desired by the user. Each of the first and second of the license plate has an opening therein rotatably receiving the corresponding one of the transponder connectors.

Structuring the first laser transponder so that a vehicle user can adjust the orientation of the first laser transponder is advantageous because of the variability in which vehicle license plates and vehicle license plate covers are oriented with respect to the motor vehicles when attached to the vehicle. The user can employ a small liquid level to indicate when the user has pivoted the first laser transponder on the transponder connectors sufficient to ensure that the laser transponder is horizontal level as required to achieve the desired angular orientation. After receiving the desired angular orientation, the transponder connectors can be tightened to securely affix the first laser transponder to the license plate cover in the desired orientation.

A disadvantage of the known system is that it requires a dedicated license plate cover Also, the laser transponder has been painted the same color as the license plate cover in order to enable the laser transponder to blend in with the license plate cover. Selecting the right color, however, is difficult, requiring painting the license plate cover as well using the same color. Besides, after painting, the presence of the transponder can still be discerned visually.

The present invention aims to provide an improved vehicle, and to provide an improved system for transmitting and receiving optical signals. In particular, the invention aims to improve mounting of a transponder system on the vehicle, so that at least part of the system remains substantially invisible from the outside. Also, the invention aims to provide a system of chances or theft can be reduced to a minimum.

According to an aspect of the invention, these and other objectives can be achieved by the features of claim 1. "

An aspect of the invention provides a vehicle, including a license plate holder for carrying a license plate, featuring the license plate holder including a front side that is facing away from the respective vehicle, the front side of the holder having a first area for receiving the plate and a second area extending in parallel above or below the first area, the second area for example configured for receiving text or information, the license plate holder includes a laser transponder that is substantially covered by the second area or the front side, the second area including at least one light passage for allowing light transmission between the laser transponder and surroundings of the vehicle.

In this way, the transponder can be mounted in a straightforward manner, and is nearly invisible from an environment of the vehicle. Thus, chances of theft or the transponder can be significantly reduced. Also, in this way, the license plate holder can protect the transponder against damage, for example from impact or any road debris during a drive. Moreover, modifications to a common license plate holder (if any) can be minimized during assembly (ie during the mounting of the license plate holder), the assembly mainly including a step or providing the light transmission passage in the second area of the front side or the license plate holder. License plate holders (usually made of black plastic) having such a second area are commonly available, in particular for mounting to rear sides of vehicles, and are usually provided with text and / or information and / or a logo, for example related to a vehicle dealer or vehicle owner (eg a name, address and / or website). It is preferred that at least the second area of the front side of the license plate holder has a dark color, for example black, which makes the light transmission passage (s) almost or totally invisible, viewed from a distance or several meters. Also, it is preferred that each of the light transmission passages (eg one or more opening or bores or transparent material) for the transponder are relatively small, eg having a maximum dimension (eg diameter or width) or 10 mm, preferably a maximum dimension or 5 mm.

Also, an aspect of the present invention, providing one or more of the above-mentioned advantages as well, is defined by the features of claim

13.

In particular, there is a license plate holder for carrying a license plate of a vehicle, particularly a vehicle according to the invention, the license plate holder includes a front side having a first area for receiving the plate and a second area extending in parallel above or below the first area, the second area for example configured for receiving text or information, requiring the license plate holder includes a laser transponder that is substantially covered by the second area of the front side front side), the second area including at least one light passage for allowing light transmission between the laser transponder and an area in front of the front side of the holder.

This license plate holder and respective laser transponder can be mounted to the vehicle, particularly such that the transponder is entirely located between the front side of the license plate holder on one hand and the vehicle on the other hand. Thus, the license plate holder can prevent theft of the transponder. It is further preferred that the transponder is located between one or more wall sections of the license plate holder (e.g., between longitudinal and transversal walls), such that the transponder is located in a substantially closed chamber or inner space after mounting to the vehicle. This reduces changes that the transponder is lost e.g. in case of accidentally failing to properly fix the transponder to the license plate holder (e.g. when a glue connection or a screw connection fails due to improper fixing and / or vehicle vibration).

Concerning the front side of the holder having a first area for receiving the plate and a second area extending in parallel above or below the first area, it should be observed that the front side of the license plate holder is an outside surface that is faced away from the vehicle after mounting, to receiving the license plate. The first area of the front side of the license plate holder may have one or more opening, and may include mounting means for fixing the license plate thereto. Also, the license plate holder can include clicking or clamping means, configured for solid fixing or the license plate to the holder. A vehicle license plate is usually a metal (or alloy, or plastic) plate, containing a vehicle registration code (license number) or the respective vehicle, as is commonly known to the skilled person.

After mounting, the front side of the holder usually extends along a substantially vertical plane (in case the respective vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface), and usually said second area extends in parallel below the first area (after mounting). Also, such a license plate holder is usually mounted on a rear or the respective vehicle (i.e., the back side, viewed with respect to a vehicle's main driving direction).

Further, there is provided a method for mounting a transponder to a vehicle, for example a car, motorcycle, truck or trailer, the method including:

-providing a license plate holder, the license plate holder including a front side having a first area for receiving a license plate and a second area extending in parallel above or below the first area;

-mounting a laser transponder such that the transponder is substantially covered by the second area or the front side;

-providing at least one light passage in the second area or the front side for allowing light transmission between the laser transponder and surroundings of the vehicle.

In this way, above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

Further advantageous elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims. Now, the invention will be clarified on the basis of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment and the drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows schematically a rear side of a vehicle and license plate holder according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 the license plate holder of the embodiment or Figure 1 in more detail;

Figure 3 a back view of the license plate holder shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 a cross-sectional view over line IV-IV or Figure 3 of the license plate holder shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 part of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4;

Figure 6 a perspective view or a second embodiment or a license plate holder;

Figure 7 a partly opened view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 6;

and

Figure 8 shows the transponder housing and mounting means of the second embodiment.

Like or corresponding measures are denoted in this application with like or corresponding reference signs.

Figures 1-5 show a non-limiting example of a vehicle V, including a license plate holder 1 for carrying a license plate P. In the example, the plate holder 1 is mounted onto a rear side of the vehicle V. Figures 6- 8 show a further embodiment or a holder 1 '.

The license plate holder 1 includes a front side S (or a front wall If) that is facing away from the respective vehicle, the front side of the holder 1 providing a relatively large first area All for receiving the plate P and an elongated (strip -like) second area A2 extending in parallel below (in this example) the first area A1, the second area A2 carrying eg text and / or other information T. This text / information may eg be printed onto the second area A2, it may provided by a sticker that is fixed to the second area A2, or it may be configured differently.

The license plate holder as such may have various shapes and dimensions, depending on example on local or national regulations. In an embodiment, a height of said second area A2 or the front side of the license plate holder 1 is at most 5 cm, particularly at most 3 cm, for example at most 25% of a height of the first area Al of the license plate holder.

In the first example, the first area Al or the front side S extends above the second area A2 or the same side, in the same vertical plane.

Alternatively, the two areas A1, A2 (ie respective front wall sections) may extend eg along different (parallel) planes, for example as in Figure 6 in which the first area Al extends along a recessed plane, which is closer to the vehicle than the second area A2 after mounting.

The license plate holder 1 includes a laser transponder 3 (see Figures 3, 4, 5) that is substantially covered by the second area A2 or the front side S. The second area A2 or the front wall If includes two light passages 5a, 5b for allowing light transmission between the a light receiving section 3a and a light transmission section 3b of the laser transponder 3 on one hand and an environment of the vehicle V on the other. The light receiving section 3a and light emission section 3b of the transponder are shown in the further embodiment of Figure 7, in this example, they are separate from each other, requiring two respective separate passages 5a, 5b in the license plate holder 1.

For example, the light receiving section 3a of the transponder 3 can be a section having a light sensor (e.g., a surface mount photo diode) for detecting incoming light such as incoming optical speed monitor signals.

The light transmission section 3b can be a section for emitting a laser light (particularly jamming signals) or a laser that can be part of the transponder

3. In particular, the light transmission section 3b may include a single laser diode, or e.g. two laser diodes.

Alternatively, or additionally, the transponder can be installed: as part of a distance measurement system or parking sensor (see below), and / or as a remote control (as part of a remote control system including an electronic circuit plus a second transponder to be mounted near eg a motor / actuator driven gate or door that is remotely controlled), and / or a data transfer system between the vehicle and other vehicles equipped eg

with this same laser system and including respective data communication means.

In a preferred embodiment, the light transmission section 3b includes a Surface Mount Laser Diode Module, which is a relatively compact, short, light source that allows a very good intensity light signal generation.

In the examples, the license plate holder includes a rectangular frame, defined by two longitudinal walls la, lb and two side walls lc, Id, and at least a reinforcing wall extending in parallel with the two longitudinal, the laser transponder is located in an area between the strengthening wall le and a said longitudinal wall la, lb. In particular, said longitudinal walls la, lb and side walls lc, Id, and optional strengthening wall are upstanding walls, reaching normally with respect to a front plane of the license plate holder, and reaching towards the vehicle V after mounting. Besides, each of these walls (or rims) la-le is uninterrupted, viewed along a longitudinal direction of the respective wall, la-le.

In the first example, front edges of the license plate walls la-le define the perimeters of the first area and second area of the front side of the holder 1. In the example of Figures 6-8, the second area A2 of the front side of he holder 1 'is substantially bounded by front edges of the side walls lc, Id, a lower longitudinal wall lb and a parallel strengthening wall le, whereas the recessed first area All of the front side is located remote from those front edges ( in a plane closer to the vehicle V), allowing a recessed mounting of the plate P.

Also, in the example, the first area All of the plate holder surface 1 is shown as being uninterrupted, but that is not required. For example, the first area All of the plate holder surface 1 may include a number of apertures, eg located along or at a mounting position of the plate P. Similarly, in this preferred example, the second area is A2 or the front side S is entirely closed except for the light transmission passages 5a, 5b that are associated with the transponder 3.

In particular, the light transmission passages (in this example two passages) 5a, 5b are located at or near one of the corners (in the example a lower left corner) or the license plate holder 1. As follows from the drawing, the two light transmission passages 5a, 5b may be located on a relatively short distance next to each other, the distance being the same as a distance between the light receiving section 3a and light transmission section 3b of the transponder 3.

The two light transmission passages 5a, 5b may have the same size and shape, as shown in Figures 1-5, but that is not required. For example, in the first embodiment, the passages 5a, 5b have a generally circular shape. In the second embodiment (see Figure 6), one of the passages 5a has a square or rectangular shape, whereas the other of the passages 5b has a relatively narrow shape (rectangular slit).

At least one of the light transmission passages 5a, 5b is relatively small, for example having a maximum dimension of 10 mm.

For example, as is depicted in Figures 6-8, the light transmission passage 5a that is associated with a transponder light receiver 3a may be relatively large, eg larger than the other the light transmission passage 5b (associated with the transponder light transmitter 3b) , allowing a relatively large viewing angle. More particular, in an embodiment, a width Wl of the first light transmission passage 5a '(associated with a transponder light receiver 3a) measured in a horizontal direction can be larger, eg at least two times larger, than a width W2 or the second light transmission passage 5b '(associated with a transponder light transmitter 3b). More particularly, the width W2 or the second light transmission passage 5b 'can be in the range or about 5 mm to 15 mm.

The light transmission passages 5a, 5b are preferably located at or near text or information T located on the second area of the front side of the license plate holder, see Figure 1. Thus, the text or information T can mask, cloak or simply distract from the presence of these passages 5a, 5b.

In the present examples, the laser transponder 3 has an elongated transponder housing 4, including eg an elongated printed circuit board carrying electronic components 4a (see Figure 4) such as a laser light source, a light detector, optional local electronic controlling components and communication means for transmitting signals to a remote control unit or data processor (not depicted). Such a control unit or data processor can be located elsewhere in the vehicle, for example near or in a driver cabin or an engine compartment.

In the example, the transponder 3 is connected to a cable K (a distal part being shown, the cable K is being configured for providing electrical power to transponder electronics and for transmitting signals (eg electrical or optical signals) between the transponder and said remote control unit or data processor.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle may include eg said central control unit or data processor arranged to process signals that are related to optical measuring signals from a vehicle speed monitor, detected by the transponder 3. In that case, the data processor may be configured, for example, to control the transmitter 3b or the transponder 3 such that jamming signals are transmitted with it, to jam the speed monitor.

In addition, or alternatively, the data processor may be arranged, for example, to use that transponder 3 for a distance measurement, for example, to provide parking assistance. To this end, for example, the transmitter section 3b may be driven by the data processor to transmit at least an optical measuring signal, this measuring signal being sent out from the vehicle to a nearby object. The receiver section 3a can then be used to receive a reflection of the transmitted measuring signal, coming from the object. Then, the distance to the object can be simply determined or estimated by the data processor, at least, by measurement or estimation of the time period between transmission and reception or measuring signal and reflection, and, for example, a distance-dependent signal can be delivered.

Also, additionally or alternatively, the data processor may be part of a remote control, e.g. for controlling a motor or actuator driven unit (e.g., a remote gate or door to be controlled).

Additionally or alternatively, the data processor may be part of a communication means, e.g., configured for setting up a communication network or for being part of a communication network, using the transponder as an optical data transmission and / or optical data receiving means.

Referring to Figures 3-5, preferably, the transponder housing is adjustably coupled to the license plate holder 1, particularly for setting an angle of light transmission and / or light viewing angle in a vertical plane. In the present example, the adjustable coupling is achieved through two coupling members 7 that are fixed to the license plate holder 1. It is preferred that the coupling member 7 is fixed to the license plate holder by an adhesive, for example glued.

The transponder housing 4 is adjustably received between the coupling members. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, remote end sections of the transponder housing 4 can include protrusions 17, eg cylinder-shaped parts aligned with one-another, that is rotationally received in opening of the coupling members 7, allowing pivoting movement about a longitudinal center lined of the housing 4. In the present examples, the transponder cable K extends through a cable opening that has been provided in one of the end sections 17, to guide the cable through the respective coupling member 7 away from the transponder housing (see Figures 5 and 7) .

Preferably, locking means 8 are available for locking a position of the transponder housing. These locking means 8 may e.g. include screw or bolting members, that can be driven into the plate holder for engaging and locking the transponder housing 4 once being properly positioned.

Alternatively, the transponder housing 4 can be 4 fixed in a final position, after proper adjustments have been made, by fixing the coupling members 7 and protrusions 17 using adhesive, eg glue (eg a drop or super glue, or a glue containing cyanoacrylate) .

It is preferred that the second area A2 or the front side of the plate holder 1 "includes e.g. an adjustment tool entry passage 6 for temporarily receiving a removable transponder housing adjustment tool 20 (see Figures

6-8). The housing of the transponder 4 (in this case one of the respective coupling members 7) may include a relief or structure, for example a small hole (see Figure 8), allowing engagement or a distal end of the adjustment tool 20 for adjusting the housing to a desired position (particularly viewing angle with respect to a horizontal plane).

In this way, the transponder 3 can be positioned in a safe place, between a front side of the license plate holder 1, 1 "and the vehicle V, providing many advantages some of which have been mentioned above.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Thus, the term a (n) in this application can mean just one, at least one, or a number of.

Further, a license plate holder as mentioned can be simply installed in different kind of vehicles, including, eg, a motor vehicle, automobile, motorcycle, truck, a part of a motor vehicle, trailer vehicles hauled by a motor vehicle, eg, truck trailer or mobile home, and / or a combination thereof.

Also, the plate holder can be mounted on a rear side of a vehicle, or alternatively on a front side. Besides, both a rear side and a front side of the vehicle V can be provided with an example of a license plate holder according to the invention.

Besides, in a further embodiment, the license plate holder 1 can include two laser transponders, both being substantially covered by the second area or the front side, the second area A2 light transmission passages for allowing light transmission to and / or from the two transponders . As an example, the two transponders can be located on a left and right side, respectively, or the second area A2 (viewed in a front view),

ie in or near two corners of the license plate holder 1. The two transponders can function eg simultaneously, carrying out the same task at the same time (eg emitting the same signal at the same time, and / or searching for a certain signal at the same time), providing optimum performance.

Also, in one embodiment, the light transmission passage (5a, 5b) is an opening that is not closed or covered. Alternatively, the light transmission passage can be closed by or provided by a light transmitting / transparent material, e.g. a transparent cover, glass, transparent plastic. In a particular embodiment, the light transmission passage includes an optical element, e.g. a lens, for focusing incoming light onto the transponder or for diverging transponder light.

In yet a further embodiment, the license plate holder as such can be manufactured partly or entirely from light transmitting (transparent) material, for providing the one or more light transmission passages. For example, such material can be transparent to light or a certain wavelength or spectral range that is detected or emitted by the transponder, e.g. transparent to infra red light in case the transponder is to detect and / or emit infra red light.

Claims (14)

Conclusions A vehicle, comprising a license plate holder (1) for carrying a license plate (P), the license plate holder (1) comprising a front side (S) facing away from the respective vehicle, the front side of the holder (1) has first area (A) for receiving the plate (P) and a second area (A2) which extends parallel above or below the first area (A1), the second area (A2) being, for example, designed to extract text or information receiving, the license plate holder (1) comprising a laser transponder (3) substantially covered by the second area of the front (S), the second area (A2) comprising at least one light passage (5a, 5b) to allow light transmission to stand between the laser transponder (3) and an environment of the vehicle (V). The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the license plate holder comprises a rectangular frame defined by two longitudinal walls (1a, 1b) and two side walls (1c, 1d), and at least one reinforcement wall (le) extending parallel to the two longitudinal wherein the laser transponder is in an area between the reinforcement wall (le) and a said longitudinal wall (la, lb). Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one light transmission passage (5a, 5b) is located at or near a corner of the license plate holder (1). A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one light transmission passage (5a, 5b) is located at or near text or information located on the second area of the front of the license plate holder. A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser transponder (3) has an elongated transponder housing (4) that is adjustably coupled to the license plate holder (1), in particular for adjusting a light transmission angle and / or viewing angle in a vertical plane. Vehicle according to claim 5, comprising at least one coupling part (7) that is fixed with the license plate holder (1), wherein the transponder housing is adjustably coupled to the coupling part. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the coupling part (7) is fixed to the license plate holder by an adhesive means, for example, molded. A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser transponder (3) has an elongated transponder housing (4), with two, preferably cylindrical end parts that are held rotatable by respective plate holder-coupling parts (7). Vehicle as claimed in any of the claims 5-8, comprising locking means for locking a position of the transponder housing. The vehicle according to any of claims 5-9, wherein the second area (A2) of the front of the plate holder (1) is an adjustment aid access passage (6) for receiving a transponder housing adjustment aid (20). A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum dimension (W1) of said light transmission passage (5a, 5b) is 10 mm. A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a height of said second area of the front of the license plate holder (1) is at most 5 cm, in particular at most 3 cm, for example at most 25% of a height of the first area (A1) of the license plate holder. A license plate holder (1) for carrying a license plate (P) of a vehicle, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the license plate holder (1) comprises a front (S) with a first area (A1) for receiving of the plate (P) and a second area (A2) extending parallel above or below the first area (A1), the second area (A2) being, for example, configured to receive text or information, the license plate holder (1) comprises a laser transponder (3) which is substantially covered by the second front area (S), the second region (A2) comprising at least one light passage (5a, 5b) to allow light transmission between the laser transponder (3) and an area for the front of the container. A method of mounting a transponder on a vehicle, for example a car, motorcycle, truck or trailer, comprising: - providing a license plate holder (1), the license plate holder (1) comprising a front side (S) with a first area (A1) for receiving a license plate (P) and a second area (A2) located parallel above or below the first region (A1); - mounting a laser transponder (3) such that the transponder is substantially covered by the second area of the front (S); - providing at least one light passage (5a, 5b) to allow light transmission between the laser transponder (3) and an environment of the vehicle (V). HG, 4 co co