Marie Van Brittan Brown created Home Security Systems
Marie Van Brittan Brown was an American inventor. She and her husband invented the home security system in 1966.
By Karen Mhlanga
Marie’s inspiration on her invention was how long it took the police to respond in her neighborhood.
Her working hours were not the standard 9-5 which scared her since the crime rate was very high in her home town Queens, New York City.
Marie’s security system had a set of three peep-holes and at the opposite side of the door was a camera attached with the ability to slide up and down to allow a person to see through the peep-hole.
The system included a device that enabled a homeowner to use a television set to see and hear the person at the door.
If the person viewing the video did not trust the person at the door there was a button that enabled the person to contact the police.
Also if the person at the door was known and expected the door could be unlocked via remote control.
Although her invention was intended for home purposes only many businesses began to adopt her system to protect themselves.
Marie received an award from the National Science Committee for her invention.
She was quoted in the New York Times saying, “A woman alone could set off an alarm immediately by pressing a button, or if the system were installed in a doctor’s office, it might prevent holdups by drug addicts.”
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