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)

[computerguru3190]

This is a good idea as long as the LEDs are strong enough. It also works with traffic cameras, using an optical slave flash. (idea tested with permission)

[gfallar]

Traffic camera use much more interesting to the majority of us, especially those of us living in AZ. I get flashes in my eyes all the time, even when people in other lanes are the culprits.

[jaguar717]

If you think that's fun, try a mIRT...

[idkuser101]

UV lens anyone?

[viper396]

Care to elaborate? In situtations with Paparazzi what do you think a UV lens would accomplish?

[akljsdj]

Don't Worry You Already Are Famous

[RRosal]

Eh, I can still see the chick's legs so what good is this for those underskirt shots? XD

[Creepy Ledbetter]

This has been around forever! DON'T GIVE HIM A PATENT!!!! Google how to do this LED trick, people put them in hats to hide their faces the same way.

[grantman54]

wouldn't a bag covered in mirrors do the trick

[make_or_break]

Meh...I think you should look at miniaturizing a targeted EMP device, like the stuff law enforcement's dreaming about for stopping car chases from ever starting. Not only would it foul up the picture, it'll kill the camera altogether (now THAT'S one expensive picture)..and if you're lucky, the scumbag's pacemaker as well.

[sebastianibis]

Yeah, I don't see a huge amount of practical use for this thing for celebs. Most of the times that paparazzi give you unwanted attention come during daylight. Night time pics are usually red carpets, openings, or clubs, when Celebs generally WANT their picture taken. All this guy did was "invent" something that already existed and and assign it a far less useful application.