Embedding X.509 Digital Certificates in Three-Dimensional Models for Authentication, Authorization, and Traceability
Thomas D Hedberg1, Sylvere Krima2, Jaime A Camelio3
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899.
Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering
|November 15, 2016
Summary
Lack of trust in 3D product data hinders reuse. This study embeds X.509 digital certificates into 3D models to authenticate, authorize, and trace product data, fostering trust in product lifecycle management.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Information Security
Background:
- Product data exchange and reuse are hindered by a lack of trust in data quality, stemming from disconnected, siloed engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance processes.
- Existing data exchange methods often omit crucial information, leading to data duplication and inhibiting downstream lifecycle process efficiency.
- While X.509 certificates are widely used for security (e.g., website encryption, code signing), their application in engineering and product data management remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the trust deficit in three-dimensional (3D) product models and enhance the exchange and reuse of product lifecycle data.
- To propose and review a novel method for embedding X.509 digital certificates within 3D models.
- To establish authentication, authorization, and traceability for product data, thereby building trust in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) workflows.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing the established applications and standards of X.509 digital certificates.
- Proposing a solution for integrating X.509 certificates directly into 3D product models.
- Demonstrating the proposed method's application within the Aerospace domain.
Main Results:
- The proposed method enables the embedding of X.509 digital certificates within 3D models.
- This integration facilitates authentication, authorization, and traceability of product data throughout its lifecycle.
- The application in the Aerospace domain showcases the potential for enhanced data trust.
Conclusions:
- Embedding X.509 digital certificates in 3D models offers a viable solution to improve trust in product data.
- This approach can significantly enhance Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) by ensuring data integrity and provenance.
- Further research is recommended to explore the full potential of X.509 certificates in PLM workflows.
