OPTICALLY VARIABLE SAFETY ELEMENT WITH TRANSMISSION AND REFLECTION AREA

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a data carrier with an optically variable security element which serves to protect valuables, with a feature region which contains a partially translucent and partially light-reflecting transmission region and a substantially opaque, light-reflecting reflection region.

[0002] Data storage media, such as valuables or identification documents, but also other valuable items, such as branded goods, are often provided with security elements for security purposes. These elements allow the authenticity of the data storage media to be verified and also serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.

[0003] Foil-based security elements are often used, which are designed for both top-down and through-view viewing. One example is the foil strips used on the higher denominations of current euro banknotes. These strips are largely metallized to create optically variable effects when viewed from above. These strips create a visible through-view image in a window area of ​​the banknotes through small recesses in the metallization.

[0004] A disadvantage of such foil strips, however, is that the large-scale or even full-surface metallization largely obscures the banknote window itself, so that many banknote users no longer even perceive it as a window. There is therefore a risk that a very secure see-through effect will rarely be used in practice to verify the secured banknotes.

[0005] On the other hand, some banknotes, especially polymer banknotes, have virtually completely transparent windows. While these are easily recognizable as windows to the user, without additional features, they do not offer particularly high levels of counterfeit security.

[0006] US 2011 / 0079997 A1 relates to a security element with only one relief structure, over which a multi-layer thin-film element with a color-shift effect is arranged in an overlapping region, wherein the thin-film element contains an absorber layer with cutouts in the region of which no color-shift effect is recognizable, and with - a semi-transparent color layer which is arranged in the region of the cutouts of the absorber layer over the thin-film element and the relief structure.

[0007] WO 2021 / 028076 A1 relates to a security element with an upper and a lower colored, reflective relief structure, which, depending on the viewing angle, generate two reflection motifs in the corresponding upper and lower colors. A combined color effect of the upper / lower color with another color of a flat structure arranged between the relief structures is visible when viewed from below / above in an area where the lower / upper reflector layer is left blank.

[0008] WO 2022 / 100881 A1 relates to a security element with a partially reflective and partially transmissive feature region, wherein two reflection motifs are visible in a partial region due to two relief structures at different height levels, depending on the viewing angle. The feature region contains a transmission region in which the two reflection-enhancing coatings of the relief structures are left out and in which a brightly colored transmission motif is visible in transmission.

[0009] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of providing a generic optically variable security element with an attractive appearance and high protection against counterfeiting. In particular, the security element should enable effective protection of a window area of ​​a data carrier without significantly impairing its recognizability as a see-through window.

[0010] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] To achieve the stated object, the invention includes a data carrier with a transparent window region and a substantially opaque region, which is provided with an optically variable security element, which serves in particular to protect valuables, and which has a feature region containing a partially translucent and partially light-reflecting transmission region and a substantially opaque, light-reflecting reflection region. The surface area of ​​the security element defines a z-axis perpendicular thereto.

[0012] The mentioned feature area contains two independent, partially overlapping relief structures, which are arranged at different height levels in the z-direction and form a lower and a higher relief structure.

[0013] The higher relief structure is coated with a semi-transparent, reflection-enhancing coating that follows the contours of the relief and contains one or more high-refractive index layers. The lower relief structure is coated with an opaque reflection layer that follows the contours of the relief.

[0014] In the transmission area, the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating of the higher relief structure is present at least in some areas, but not the opaque reflection layer of the lower relief structure, while in the reflection area the opaque reflection layer of the lower relief structure and at least in some areas the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating of the higher relief structure are present.

[0015] The data carrier is provided with the optically variable security element in such a way that the transmission area of ​​the security element lies at least partially above the window area and the reflection area of ​​the security element lies at least partially above the substantially opaque area.

[0016] In the transmission range, the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating increases the reflectance of the higher relief structure without significantly impairing the light transmittance of the transmission range. As explained in more detail below, the security element can therefore protect a window area of ​​a data carrier with its transmission range without significantly obscuring it. For this purpose, high reflection and high transmission in the transmission range can be achieved, particularly at different wavelengths, so that the transmission range appears bright with a first color, for example, blue, in transmitted light and bright with a second, different color, for example, yellow, in reflected light. The first and second colors are particularly complementary to one another.

[0017] The semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating can be applied over the entire surface in the transmission and / or reflection areas, or it can be provided with cutouts in certain areas to create additional effects, particularly in the form of characters, patterns, or coding. The optically variable effects of the higher relief structure are generally only visible in plan view where the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating is present, especially if, as is usual, the higher embossed layer and an adjacent embedding or protective layer have a very similar or practically identical refractive index.

[0018] The transmission area is advantageously selected to be large enough to be recognizable to the observer as a transparent area and, in particular, recognizable in its shape. The transmission area preferably comprises at least an area of ​​more than 2 mm 2 , preferably more than 5 mm 2 , particularly preferably more than 15 mm 2 and / or a minimum dimension of more than 2 mm , preferably more than 5 mm , and / or a diameter of more than 2.5 mm , particularly preferably more than 5 mm .

[0019] The opaque reflective layer of the deeper relief structure is not present in the transmission region. Preferably, the transmission region at the height level of the deeper relief structure is free of a reflection-enhancing coating. However, a partially reflection-enhancing layer, for example also made of the material of the opaque reflective layer, can optionally be present in the transmission region at the height level of the deeper relief structure, with a screening or layer thickness such that the transmission of this layer is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60%, more preferably greater than 70%. In the case of screening, the area proportion without screen elements preferably corresponds to at least the stated percentage. More than 50% (60% or 70%) of the area in the screen is free of screen elements. The screen elements accordingly occupy a maximum of up to 50% (40% or 30%) of the area in the screen.

[0020] If the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating is applied over the entire surface, scattering structures or moth-eye structures can be provided in areas where high reflection and / or color effect is not desired, i.e. in particular outside the actual effect area, in order to suppress the color and / or reflection effect in certain areas.

[0021] Advantageously, the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating contains one or more high-index layers, preferably dielectric high-index layers, which have a refractive index of at least 1.7, preferably at least 2.0, and particularly preferably at least 2.2, at least in a partial range of the visible spectrum. For example, the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating can be formed by a ZnS layer with a thickness between 50 nm and 400 nm.

[0022] Advantageously, the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating represents a high-refractive-index multi-layer system with several dielectric layers and, in particular, represents a three-layer system with two high-refractive-index layers and a low-refractive-index intermediate layer. Specifically, the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating can represent a layer system comprising a 125 nm thick TiO 2 layer, a 70 nm thick SiO 2 intermediate layer and a further 125 nm thick TiO 2 layer.

[0023] If the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating is formed by a high-refractive-index single layer, the color of the reflected light can be adjusted by the layer thickness of the single layer in combination with the relief structure. Multilayer systems can achieve particularly high reflection and strong, bright colors. In particular, such layer systems can simultaneously achieve very high reflection and very high transmission at different wavelengths. The semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating preferably has wavelength-dependent transmission and reflection and / or is a color-imparting semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating.

[0024] The opaque reflective layer advantageously has an optical density of at least 1.0, preferably 2.0 or more. The reflective layer is preferably formed by a metal layer, for example a layer of silver or aluminum, which are highly reflective across the entire visible spectral range. Other advantageous embodiments utilize colored metal layers, for example gold-colored metal layers (e.g., made of Au or alloys such as Al-Cu and the like) or copper-colored metal layers. To achieve a desired color effect, the opaque reflective layer can also consist of a combination of a metal layer and a translucent color layer.Thin-film systems can also be considered as opaque reflection layers, for example color-shifting three-layer structures consisting of an absorber, dielectric and opaque reflector layer, with which blue or green reflective colors in particular can be realized, which are difficult to achieve with individual metal layers.

[0025] In the opaque reflection layer, colors can also be created using nanostructures in a metallic base layer, particularly by exploiting plasmonic effects in subwavelength gratings. For example, micromirrors can be overlaid with subwavelength gratings and metallized, making the micromirror effects visible in the colors generated by the subwavelength gratings.

[0026] In an advantageous development of the invention, one or more translucent color layers, in particular translucent colored color layers, are arranged in the reflection region between the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating and the opaque reflection layer in order to influence the color impression of the security element. For the sake of simplicity, the plural color layers will be referred to below, but this includes the case where only a single color layer is present. The provision of color layers between the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating and the opaque reflection layer is very advantageous and cost-effective, particularly with regard to multi-color effects. The color layers are preferably formed by translucent colors that change the color of the transmitted light but do not or hardly change the direction of propagation of the light.

[0027] Advantageously, the color layers overlap at least the reflective layer of the deeper embossing lacquer layer; particularly advantageously, the reflective layer is completely covered by the color layers. In other advantageous embodiments, the color layers overlap or cover the reflective layer only in certain regions, so that in some regions the optical effects are essentially shown in the color of the reflective layer, and in other regions the optical effects are essentially shown in the color determined by the color layers. When using colored metallic reflective layers, the color of the optical effects can also be achieved by mixing the color of the reflective layer and the color of the color layers.

[0028] A single, single-color layer of paint can be used, but different colors, especially different bright colors, can also be used, which can be placed next to each other or overlapping in different areas. This also makes it possible to create color gradients that are particularly visually appealing. The color layers can cover the entire surface or only in certain areas, particularly in the form of patterns, symbols, or codes.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that one or both relief structures are formed by micromirror arrangements with directionally reflecting micromirrors, in particular with non-diffractive mirrors, and preferably with plane mirrors, concave mirrors and / or Fresnel-like mirrors.

[0030] The optically variable effects of the two relief structures are advantageously not congruent; rather, they are at least partially recognizable from different viewing directions. In particular, it is advantageously provided that the first and second relief structures reflect incident parallel light at least in certain regions into different angular ranges, wherein the two different angular ranges preferably do not overlap and are preferably separated by more than 3°, particularly preferably more than 10°.

[0031] The two relief structures are independent relief structures. Thus, they can be freely selected because they (in their relief pattern) do not depend on each other. A relief structure that results solely from coating another relief structure is not an independent relief structure in the present sense. In particular, the relief structures of the surface area do not have the same relief pattern, not even the same relief pattern scaled only in height, but the two relief structures are different and formed with different relief patterns. In particular, the two independent relief structures are different.The two relief structures can therefore produce similar optically variable effects, for example opposing movement effects or spatial representations visible from different viewing directions, but due to the difference in the relief patterns they will not both always produce the same optically variable effect in the same place.

[0032] Specifically, the formation of the higher relief structure, in particular the alignment of the micromirrors of the higher micromirror arrangement, and / or the formation of the lower relief structure, in particular the alignment of the micromirrors of the lower micromirror arrangement, can advantageously vary depending on the location in order to create a predetermined motif, in particular a three-dimensional motif or a movement motif. The relief pattern, in particular the alignment of the micromirrors, is freely selectable and essentially determined only by the predetermined motifs, but not by the alignment of laterally or vertically adjacent micromirrors.

[0033] The security element may in particular be a laminate film, a laminate patch or a laminate strip.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the security element has a carrier film between the two relief structures. Such designs can be produced particularly economically using a double embossing system if the embossing of both relief structures is created in the same operation. However, it is also possible to provide a carrier film at a different location in the layer structure of the security element. A production carrier film can also be used solely for the production of the security element and removed again after the security element has been applied to a target data carrier. The security element can therefore also be a transfer element, for example a transfer strip or transfer patch. The security element can be incorporated into the data carrier, for example between two layers of the data carrier.

[0035] Due to the stabilizing effect of a carrier film, designing the security element as a laminate film is particularly advantageous for securing paper-based data carriers with a perforated window, whereas for data carriers with polymer substrates or hybrid substrates (e.g. film / paper / film or paper / film / paper) stabilization is often not necessary and, due to the lower thickness, designing the security element as a transfer element is then more advantageous.

[0036] In the case of a paper banknote, the vellum area represents a substantially opaque area within the meaning of this description, since it cannot be seen through despite the small residual transmission present. The vellum area is typically the area of ​​the paper banknote with normal paper thickness, i.e., in particular, without indentation or locally reduced thickness (as may be found, for example, in the area of ​​a watermark).

[0037] The security element is applied to the data carrier in such a way that the opaque reflective layer lies between the data carrier and the semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating. This layer sequence ensures that an observer can see the superimposed effects created by the two relief structures in the overlapping areas of the two coatings.

[0038] Preferably, the reflection region of the security element covers a maximum of 50% of the area of ​​the window region, while the transmission region of the security element covers at least 50% of the area of ​​the window region. Particularly preferably, the reflection region is located entirely outside the window region, which is completely covered by the transmission region of the security element.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the data carrier is provided with a security element with one or more translucent color layers of the type described, wherein the color layers cover the window area at most in partial areas and preferably lie completely outside the window area. However, with light color layers, such as a yellow color layer, it may also be expedient to extend the color layer(s) over the entire window area of ​​the data carrier.

[0040] The data carrier advantageously contains a paper, polymer, or hybrid substrate. The transparent window region of the data carrier can be formed by a continuous opening in the data carrier, for example, a paper banknote. However, the transparent window region can also be formed, for example, by providing an inherently transparent substrate, such as a polymer substrate, with one or more opaque layers, for example, an opaque white ink-receiving layer, which are partially cut out to form the window region.

[0041] The substantially opaque region may also be referred to as a non-transparent region. The substantially opaque region (or non-transparent region) transmits less than half, preferably less than one-third, and more preferably one-quarter, of the incident light.

[0042] The window area is advantageously designed with an outline in the form of a motif, for example in the form of symbols, geometric patterns or an animal motif.

[0043] The semi-transparent, reflection-enhancing coating of the security element applied to the data carrier can be located above or below the higher embossing lacquer layer. The opaque reflective layer can also be located above or below the lower embossing layer. For example, the two embossing lacquer layers can be applied to opposite sides of a common carrier foil, but they can also be applied to separate carrier foils, embossed, and coated with a high-refractive index or metallic coating before these separate foil structures are then laminated together to form a single security element.

[0044] The security element is preferably applied as a whole (in one step and thus cost-effectively) to the data carrier or incorporated into the data carrier. Any assembly of the security element, for example, as described by laminating separately produced films, preferably takes place before application to / integration into the data carrier.

[0045] The security element can be applied to the data carrier with an adhesive layer, which can be applied over the entire surface or recessed over the window area.

[0046] It is understood that the described embodiments of the security element can be combined with other visually recognizable security features, for example with security features based on micromirrors, microlenses or light-diffracting structures such as embossed holograms, and / or machine-readable features, for example based on luminescence, phosphorescence or magnetic properties.

[0047] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in which a true-to-scale and true-to-proportion reproduction has been omitted in order to increase clarity.

[0048] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a banknote with an optically variable security element according to the invention, Fig. 2 a section of the security element applied to the paper substrate of the banknote, Fig. 1schematically in cross section, and Fig. 3 a further embodiment of the invention in cross section, in which a security element is applied to the polymer substrate of a polymer banknote.

[0049] The invention will now be explained using the example of security elements for banknotes. Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a banknote 10 with an optically variable security element 20 according to the invention in the form of a laminate film applied to the paper substrate 12 of the banknote. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to laminate films and banknotes, but can be used for all types of security elements, for example, labels on goods and packaging or for securing documents, ID cards, passports, credit cards, health cards, and the like. For banknotes and similar documents, in addition to laminate films and transfer elements (such as patches or strips, each with or without their own carrier layer), security threads or security strips, for example, are also possible.

[0050] Returning to the presentation of the Fig. 1the security element 20 contains a feature area 22 with an opaque, light-reflecting reflection area 24 covering a substantially opaque partial area 14 of the paper substrate 12, and a partially light-reflecting transmission area 26 covering a window area 16 formed by a through opening in the paper substrate 12.

[0051] When viewed in reflected light, the security element 20 in the reflection region 24 displays optically variable effects with high brightness. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the reflection region 24 contains a tilted image in which a first motif 18A, for example a yellow value "10", is visible from a first direction of reflected light, and a second motif 18B, for example a red currency symbol "€", is visible from a second direction of reflected light. When the banknote 10 is tilted or the viewing direction is changed accordingly, the appearance of the security element 20 in the reflection region 24 suddenly jumps from the representation of the first to the second motif, or when tilted back, from the second to the first motif. The change in the motif (value number or currency symbol) and the color (yellow or red) occurs simultaneously and without an intermediate or transitional stage in which both motifs orColors would be visible simultaneously, or one motif would be visible in the color of the other motif. The appearance therefore jumps seamlessly between two motifs 18A, 18B and is therefore referred to as a binary color and effect change.

[0052] The transmission area 26 of the security element 20 covering the window area 16 has, on the one hand, a high light transmittance, so that the viewer can clearly recognize the window area 16 with its outline shape as a see-through motif when viewing the banknote from above. Figure 1 For illustration purposes, this shows a window area 16 with a coat of arms-shaped outline. However, other outline shapes, such as an animal motif or a geometric motif, are also possible. The high light transmittance can also be present only in a partial range of the visible spectrum, so that the window area 16 appears colored, for example, blue, in transmitted light.

[0053] The transmission region 26, on the other hand, is also partially reflective and, in addition to the see-through motif 16, displays an optically variable effect when viewed from above, for example, a third motif 18C in the shape of a star. Although the brightness of the third motif 18C is generally lower when viewed from above than the brightness of the motifs 18A, 18B of the reflection region, the presence of a motif 18C in the translucent window 16 nevertheless provides significant additional authentication of the window region. The transmission region can, in particular, exhibit high reflectivity only in a partial range of the visible spectrum, so that the motif 18C appears colored, for example, yellow, when viewed from above.

[0054] The special structure of optically variable security elements according to the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2which schematically shows a section of the security element 20 applied to the paper substrate 12 in cross section.

[0055] The security element 20 contains a flat, transparent carrier film 30, the surface area of ​​which defines an xy plane and a z-axis perpendicular thereto. A feature region 22 is formed on the carrier film 30, which contains two independent relief structures 34, 44 that partially overlap one another in projection and are arranged at different heights in the z-direction relative to the flat carrier film 30. The relief structure 34 that is closer to the observer when viewed from above is referred to as the higher relief structure, and the relief structure 44 that is further away from the observer is referred to as the lower relief structure.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the two relief structure areas each represent micromirror embossings or micromirror arrangements 34, 44, each formed from a plurality of micromirrors inclined relative to the xy plane. The local angles of inclination of the micromirrors are selected such that the relief structure of the micromirror arrangements 34, 44, after coating, creates a desired optically variable effect, in this case a three-dimensional representation of the yellow value "10" as motif 18A or the red currency symbol "€" as motif 18B. The different height levels of the micromirror arrangements 34, 44 are defined by the different heights of the base surfaces of the micromirror arrangements above the carrier film 30.

[0057] To create a good visual impression with the desired color effect, the lower relief structure 44 is provided with an opaque reflective layer 46 that follows the relief gradient. Additionally, a translucent colored layer 50 is provided between the carrier film 30 and the lower relief structure 44. The higher relief structure 34 is provided with a semitransparent, reflection-enhancing coating 36 that follows the relief gradient and contains one or more high-refractive-index layers.

[0058] To form the relief structures, the micromirror arrangements 34, 44 are each embossed into a transparent embossing lacquer layer 32, 42 and, after the application and optionally structuring of the respective coating 36, 46, are leveled with a transparent topcoat layer 38 or 48. The topcoat layers preferably have substantially the same refractive index as the embossing lacquer layers 32, 42, so that the micromirrors are not visually apparent in areas without a coating due to the lack of a refractive index difference between the embossing lacquer layer and the topcoat layer.

[0059] In the transmission region 26 of the security element 20, only the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating 36 of the higher relief structure 34 is present, while the opaque reflection layer 46 of the lower relief structure 44 is not provided there. In the reflection region 24, however, both the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating 36 of the higher relief structure 34 and the opaque reflection layer 46 of the lower relief structure 44 are present. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the embossed lacquer layer 42 of the lower relief structure 44 and the translucent colored ink layer 50 are present only in the reflection region 24 and do not extend into the transmission region 26.

[0060] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2the entire window area 16 of the paper substrate 12 is covered by the transmission area 26 of the security element 20, while the reflection area 24 lies completely outside the window area 16 above an opaque partial area 14 of the paper substrate.

[0061] The semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating 36 can be formed by a single high-refractive-index layer, for example, a ZnS or TiO 2 layer. This increases the reflection efficiency of the micromirror array 34 without significantly impairing transparency. The color of the reflected light can be adjusted, in particular, by the thickness of the high-refractive-index layer. Particularly strong reflection and bright colors can be generated if the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating 36 consists of several high-refractive-index layers or a high-refractive-index multilayer system, for example, with the layer sequence TiO 2 / SiO 2 / TiO 2.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, the substantially opaque reflection layer 46 is formed by a metal coating of the deeper micromirror arrangement 44, for example a thin, vapor-deposited aluminum layer.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which a security element 60 is applied to the transparent polymer substrate 72 of a polymer banknote 70. The polymer substrate 72 is printed on one or both sides over a large area with an opaque cover layer 74, which is partially recessed to form a window region 16 in the polymer banknote.

[0064] The security element 60 is largely like the security element 20 of the Fig. 2 constructed, with corresponding elements being provided with the same reference numerals.

[0065] Specifically, the security element 60 contains, like the security element 20 of the Fig. 2a flat, transparent carrier film 30, on which a feature region is formed with two independent micromirror arrays 34, 44, which partially overlap one another in projection and are arranged at different heights in the z-direction. The micromirror arrays 34, 44 are each embossed into a transparent embossing lacquer layer 32, 42. The deeper micromirror array 44 is provided with an opaque metallization 46, for example a silver layer, following the relief contour, but which does not cover the entire surface of the embossing lacquer layer 42.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the higher micromirror arrangement 34 is coated with a semitransparent, high-refractive index multilayer system 36, for example with the layer sequence TiO 2 / SiO 2 / TiO 2. In addition, a full-surface translucent colored layer 62 with a light color, for example yellow, is provided between the carrier film 30 and the lower micromirror arrangement 44.

[0067] The reflection region 24 of the security element 60 is formed by the region in which both the opaque metallization 46 of the lower micromirror arrangement 44 and the semi-transparent multilayer system 36 of the higher micromirror arrangement 34 are present, and the transmission region 26 is formed by the region in which only the semi-transparent multilayer system 36 of the higher micromirror arrangement 34 is present, but no opaque metallization 46 is present in the plane of the lower micromirror arrangement 44.

[0068] As in the example of the Fig. 3 As shown, the transparent, deeper embossing lacquer layer 42 can extend into the transmission area 26, as can the translucent colored ink layer 62. In particular, if, as in the present case, the colored ink layer 62 has a light color, it can even be advantageous to provide the colored ink layer not only in the reflection area 24, but also to extend over the entire window area 16. List of reference symbols

[0069] 10 Banknote 12 Paper substrate 14 Opaque partial area 16 Window area 18A, 18B, 18C Motif 20 Security element 22 Feature area 24 Reflection area 26 Transmission area 30 Carrier foil 32, 42 Transparent embossed lacquer layer 34, 44 Micromirror arrays 36 Semi-transparent reflection-enhancing coating 38, 48 Transparent top lacquer layer 46 Opaque reflection layer 50 Translucent color layer 60 Security element 62 Light translucent color layer 70 Polymer banknote 72 Polymer substrate 74 Opaque top layer

Claims

1. Data carrier (10) provided with an optically variable security element (20) for safeguarding valuable objects, wherein the surface area of the security element defines a z-axis perpendicular thereto; wherein the optically variable security element (20) comprises a feature region (22) containing a partially light-transmissive and partially light-reflecting transmission region (26) and a substantially light-non-transmissive, light-reflecting reflection region (24), wherein - the feature region (22) contains two independent, partially overlapping relief structures (34, 44), which are arranged at different height levels in the z-direction and form a lower-level relief structure and a higher-level relief structure, - the higher-level relief structure (34) is provided with a semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) following the course of the relief and containing one or more high refractive index layers, - the lower-level relief structure (44) is provided with an opaque reflection layer (46) following the course of the relief, and - in the transmission region (26) at least regionally the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) of the higher-level relief structure (34) is present, but the opaque reflection layer of the lower-level relief structure is not present, while in the reflection region (24) the opaque reflection layer (46) of the lower-level relief structure (44) and at least regionally the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) of the higher-level relief structure (34) are present; characterized in that the data carrier has a transparent window region and a substantially opaque region, and in that the data carrier (10) is provided with the optically variable security element (20) in such a way that the transmission region (26) of the security element (20) is at least partially above the window region (16) and the reflection region (24) of the security element (20) is at least partially above the substantially opaque region (14).

2. Data carrier (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) is present over the whole area in the transmission region and / or in the reflection region.

3. Data carrier (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) contains one or more high refractive index layers, preferably dielectric high refractive index layers, which have a refractive index of at least 1.7, preferably at least 2.0, and particularly preferably at least 2.2, at least in a sub-range of the visible spectrum.

4. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) represents a high refractive index multilayer system having a plurality of dielectric layers, in particular a three-layer system having two high refractive index layers and one low refractive index intermediate layer.

5. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opaque reflection layer (46) is formed by a metal layer.

6. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one or more light-transmissive colour layers (50) are arranged in the reflection region (24) between the semitransparent reflection-enhancing coating (36) and the opaque reflection layer (46).

7. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the higher-level relief structure and / or the lower-level relief structure are / is formed by micromirror arrangements (34, 44) with directionally reflective micromirrors, in particular with mirrors having a non-diffractive effect, and preferably with plane mirrors, concave mirrors and / or Fresnel-like mirrors.

8. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first and second relief structures (34, 44) reflect at least regionally incident parallel light into different angle ranges, wherein the two different angle ranges preferably do not overlap and are separated from one another by preferably more than 3°, particularly preferably more than 10°.

9. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two independent relief structures (34, 44) are embodied differently; and / or the transmission region comprises at least an area of more than 2 mm2, preferably more than 5 mm2, particularly preferably more than 15 mm2, and / or has a minimum dimension of more than 2 mm, preferably more than 5 mm.

10. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the embodiment of the higher-level relief structure (34), in particular the alignment of the micromirrors of the higher-level micromirror arrangement, and / or the embodiment of the lower-level relief structure (44), in particular the alignment of the micromirrors of the lower-level micromirror arrangement, are / is subject to location-dependent variation in order to produce a respectively predefined motif, in particular a motif with a three-dimensional appearance or a movement motif.

11. Data carrier according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the reflection region (24) of the security element covers at most 50% of the area of the window region (16), while the transmission region (26) of the security element covers at least 50% of the area of the window region (16), preferably in that the reflection region is completely outside the window region, and the latter is completely covered by the transmission region of the security element.

12. Data carrier according to Claim 6, characterized in that the one or more light-transmissive colour layers (50) cover the window region (16) at most in partial regions and are preferably completely outside the window region.

13. Data carrier according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the data carrier (10, 70) contains a paper, polymer or hybrid substrate (12, 72).

14. Data carrier according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the window region (16) is embodied with a contour in the form of a motif, for example in the form of symbols, geometric patterns or an animal motif.