Ward off pesky paparazzi with a flashing clutch

(Credit: Alan Harvey )

Updated at 2:40 p.m., July 9, with correct name of inventor, Adam Harvey.

If I were a popular Hollywood celebrity, chances are the paparazzi would be staking out my house and jotting down notes on what I had for lunch. Alas for commoners like me, Adam Harvey's invention won't do much.

Harvey, a New York University graduate, conceived a fashion clutch (no, not the pedal you step on for manual transmission cars) that can help scandal-stricken stars steer clear of the spotlight. His Anti-Paparazzi Clutch Bag includes a small microcontroller, LED lights, and a sensor that detects bright flashes from external sources.

When the clutch detects a flash, it responds by activating the LEDs which, in theory, will over-expose the paparazzi's shot (see above picture for an example). But this will probably work effectively only at night.

For now, Harvey has secured the patent for his invention and is working toward commercializing this product (he says a limited release of the clutch bag will become available in early spring 2010). When I become famous one day, I'm going to get one of these.

(Source: Crave Asia via PDN Gear Guide)