African American inventor Marie Van Brittan Brown contributed to a safer society with her invention of the first home security system.
Her invention was the first closed-circuit television security system and paved the way for modern home security systems used today. In 1966, Brown, along with the assistance of her husband, invented a security system which consisted of four peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, and two-way microphones. These items created a closed-circuit television system for surveillance also known as CCTV. With multiple peepholes, the sliding camera was able to capture images of people who were different heights. The two-way microphones allowed Brown to communicate with the person outside. She also had a remote that would allow her to unlock the door at a safer distance.
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