Marie Van Brittan Brown

At first, the invention was difficult to sell to homebuilders because the cost of implementation was so high.[9] The Browns initially decided to build it in their own home hoping that would spark interest in home builders.[5] To help expand her innovation even further, Marie added in a system in which you could unlock the door using a remote. This made it so she did not have to physically get up to go to the door to unlock it, but rather could unlock the door with the click of a button, still sitting down. Marie knew this would only help them know who was at the door or attempting to enter the home but would not improve the emergency response time. Knowing that the police or security response was slow she decided that there must be a quicker way for them to alert the authorities. To do so she invented a system that contacted police and emergency responders with just the tap of a button. She and her husband cited other inventors in their patent, such as Edward D. Phinney and Thomas J. Reardon.[4] Even now, over fifty years later, her invention is still being used by smaller businesses and living facilities.[6]

Although the system was originally intended for domestic uses, many businesses began to adopt Brown's system given its efficacy. Brown was recognized for her innovation and received an award from the National Science Committee,[3] officially making her a part of "an elite group of African-American inventors and scientists." Brown was quoted in the New York Times as saying that with her invention "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."[5]

The invention was the first closed-circuit television security system and is the predecessor to modern home systems today.[10] It was the foundation for video monitoring, remote-controlled door locks, push-button alarm triggers, instant messaging to security providers and police, as well as two-way voice communication.[6] Brown's invention has led to the creation of many new home security systems that rely on video systems, remote door locks, and quick emergency response actions. These systems have become the leading security for homes and small businesses all over the world. The fame of Brown's device also led to the more prevalent CCTV surveillance in public areas.[7]

Marie Van Brittan Brown's invention of her home security system has had a huge impact on the security systems in place as a whole. Her idea was extremely innovative; it was her initial idea that allowed people to build upon that idea and create security systems that we still see today. Sade Baderinwa says that "if you have a 'home security system' protecting your home, you have [Marie Van Brittan Brown] to thank" (Baderinwa, 2021). She has revolutionized the entire security system, and this quote means that all security brands such as ADT, Ring, and more all have her to thank for her initial idea. Brown's initial idea has continued to be used to help people around the world feel safer and more secure inside of their homes. She was recognized in the New York Times and received an award from the National Scientists Committee for her work. Unfortunately, Marie van Brittan Brown died before she could see the new innovations added to her invention. But her impact will never be forgotten. Any security system, whether it be at homes, businesses, or banks, can all be traced back to her invention.[11] As more home security systems came to the market, Brown's initial invention became even more influential. Her invention was cited in at least 32 future patent applications.[11] Unfortunately, after her successful patent application in 1969, the media coverage of her product ceased.[5] The home security business is expected to be at least a $1.5B business and is expected to triple by 2024.[9]