History

(1922-1999)

 

Marie Van Brittan Brown was an American nurse, and her husband, Albert L. Brown, was an electronics technician. In 1966, they invented an audio-visual home security system. That same year, they applied for a patent for it, which was granted three years later, in 1969.

 

The invention consisted, at the door, of an electrically controlled lock, several lensed peepholes with covers, a vertically sliding video scanner (the camera) and controlling motors, loudspeaker, and microphone as well as associated electronics, filters, power supply, radio receiver, and transmitter. The camera could be remotely moved from peephole to peephole, mechanically uncovering and recovering them. The radio connected the camera to a television monitor mounted on a control panel inside the home. The television monitor allowed the occupant to see who was at the door without opening it. In contrast, the microphones and loudspeakers let the occupant communicate radio-phonically with the visitor. A series of filters on the door receiver allowed commands from push buttons on the control panel to be transmitted by radio to control the camera's position and operate the lock.