Optically variable surface pattern and method for producing same

A method for generating a surface pattern for providing a multi-color representation when viewed from at least one predefined viewing angle, wherein the method comprises:

• selecting a set of at least four different relief structures, each generating a chromatic color impression corresponding to a predefined basic color when viewed from at least one predefined viewing angle,
• wherein the at least four relief structures of the set are designed to generate monochromatic colors as basic colors,
• wherein at least one of the relief structures designed for generating one of the monochromatic colors has a nanostructure acting as a color filter,
• providing a starting image comprising starting pixels,
• wherein at least one of the starting pixels is of a color that deviates from the predefined basic colors,
• calculating an approximation image having a multiplicity of pixels, which corresponds to a pixel-wise approximation of the starting image,
• wherein the pixels of the approximation image are assigned a color that can be generated by the basic colors;
• generating a pixel-based, optically variable surface pattern with a multiplicity of surface elements,
• wherein the surface elements are assigned to the pixels of the approximation image and at least in sections are provided with the relief structures in such a way that a color impression generated by the surface elements when viewed from the predefined viewing angle corresponds to the color of the pixel of the approximation image assigned to the respective surface element.