While home security systems today are more advanced than ever, back in 1966 the idea for a home surveillance device seemed almost unthinkable. That was the year famous African-American inventor Marie Van Brittan Brown, and her partner Albert Brown, applied for an invention patent for a closed-circuit television security system – the forerunner to the modern home security system.

Brown's system had a set of four peep holes and a camera that could slide up and down to look out each one. Anything the camera picked up would appear on a monitor. An additional feature of Brown's invention was that a person also could unlock a door with a remote control.

A female black inventor far ahead of her time, Marie Van Brittan Brown created an invention that was the first in a long string of home-security inventions that continue to flood the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marie Van Brittan Brown

Who was Marie Van Brittan Brown?

Marie Van Brittan Brown was an American inventor and nurse who is best known for inventing the first home security system, a breakthrough technology that laid the foundation for modern video surveillance and home security systems.

What did Marie Van Brittan Brown invent?

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented an early version of the home security system that used cameras, monitors, and remote controls to help homeowners watch their property and control entry. Her invention was patented in 1969.

Why did Marie Van Brittan Brown invent the home security system?

She developed the home security system because she wanted a way to feel safer in her own home. As a nurse working night shifts in a neighborhood with rising crime, she designed a system to see who was at her door without having to open it.

How did Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention work?

Her system used a set of four peepholes at different heights, a camera that could slide up and down to see through them, and a monitor that allowed someone inside the home to view the camera feed. The system also included a two-way microphone and remote door locks.

When was Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention patented?

Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband received a United States patent for their home security system in 1969, under patent number 3,482,037.

What impact did Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention have?

Her invention is widely credited as a forerunner to the modern home security technology used in residences, businesses, and public places worldwide. Systems like CCTV, smart doorbells, and monitored security systems trace their origins back to her design.

Did Marie Van Brittan Brown work alone on her invention?

Marie Van Brittan Brown collaborated with her husband, Albert Brown, to design and refine the system. Their partnership helped bring the concept to a working model and ultimately to a patent.

Where did Marie Van Brittan Brown live?

Marie Van Brittan Brown lived and worked in Queens, New York, where she developed her home security system in response to concerns about safety and neighborhood security.

Is Marie Van Brittan Brown recognized for her invention today?

Yes. Marie Van Brittan Brown is recognized as a pioneer in security technology and a notable African American inventor. Her work is celebrated for its lasting influence on safety systems and technology.

How can people learn more about Marie Van Brittan Brown?

You can explore her patent documents, historical profiles of inventors, biographies, and educational resources that highlight her role in creating home security systems. Many science museums and innovation history sites also feature her contributions.

What fields did Marie Van Brittan Brown influence?

Her work influenced fields including electronic security, video surveillance, remote monitoring, and smart home technology.

For more information on Marie Van Brittan Brown and her inventions, refer to:

Famous African-American Female Inventor: Marie Brown
African-American Inventors of Our Times