Marie Van Brittan Brown is a name that is not often heard when it comes to inventors and innovators. However, her contributions to the world of technology are just as significant as those of her male counterparts. Brown is the inventor of the first home security system, which has revolutionized the way we think about home security and surveillance.
Born to a Guyanese father and a mother from Trinidad, Brown grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Her family spoke a mix of English, Dutch Creole, and French Creole, giving her a unique language and communication perspective. This exposure to different languages and cultures would later influence her invention.
In the 1960s, crime rates in the United States increased, and Brown and her husband, Albert, were concerned about their safety. They lived in a neighbourhood that was plagued by burglaries, and they wanted a way to protect themselves and their property. However, the available home security systems at the time were expensive and difficult to use.
Brown had a background in nursing and had worked as a nurse in the past. She was also interested in electronics and had some experience working with them. This combination of skills and interests led her to come up with the idea for a home security system.
In 1966, Brown applied for a patent for her invention, called the
“Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance.”
The system consisted of a set of four peepholes, which were mounted at different heights on the front door. These peepholes were connected to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, which allowed the user to monitor activity outside the house from inside.
The system also included a microphone, which allowed the user to communicate with visitors or intruders. There was also a panic button that could be pressed in case of an emergency, which would alert the police.
The invention was a game-changer in the field of home security. It was affordable, easy to use, and effective. The peepholes allowed the user to see who was outside the house without opening the door, which was particularly useful for women and older people who were vulnerable to attacks. In addition, the CCTV system provided a continuous feed of the outside activity, which allowed the user to monitor the situation in real time.
Brown’s invention was ahead of its time. It was not until the 1980s that home security systems became widely available and affordable. Today, home security systems are ubiquitous, and many use technology similar to Brown’s invention.
Brown’s invention was not only groundbreaking but also inspirational. She was a woman of colour who had devised an innovative solution to a problem affecting her community. In addition, her invention challenged the stereotype that women and people of colour could not contribute to the field of technology.
Despite her significant contribution, Brown’s name is not well-known outside of the technology community. This is partly due to the fact that she did not have the resources to bring her invention to the market. However, her invention paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
There has been a renewed interest in Brown’s life and work in recent years. Her story has been featured in books, documentaries, and podcasts, which have helped to bring her contribution to the forefront. In 2019, Google honoured her with a doodle on her 94th birthday, which helped to raise awareness about her invention.
Marie Van Brittan Brown was a visionary who was ahead of her time. Her invention has had a lasting impact on home security and has helped to make people’s homes safer. Her story is a reminder that innovation can come from anyone, regardless of background or identity.