Huntsville invention on 'Best of What's New' list - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

A Huntsville invention is being called one of the best of the year.

Popular Science's annual Best of What's New list puts AIRprint near the top of its list.

AIRprint is a unique twist on fingerprint scanners.

Instead of putting your finger on a pad, AIRprint can read your prints from up to six feet away.

Joel Burcham is president of IDair. He said it's simple, also clean and hygienic.

"For the long range device, you'll walk up and place your hand in a fixed location, approximately six feet from the device. You'll hold still and within one to two seconds, it'll let you know that it has recognized who you are and let you pass, unlock a door, identify a guard," said Burcham.

There is also a short range finger print scanner.

Burcham hopes it will be used on school buses as a child safety and tracking measure.

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