From Bitcoin WikiThe Bitcoin Aloha pos help manual is based on the VeriFone Vx510 or Vx570 (pictured here) model of point-of-sale bankcard machines.The is a desktop retail point-of-sale acceptance system for Bitcoin "in a box". The system is based on a VeriFone Vx510 or Vx570 payment terminal, and allows merchants to easily accept Bitcoin payments from customers. It can optionally allow merchants to dispense (sell) Bitcoins. The Aloha pos help manual features an Ethernet network connection, a 128x64 pixel backlit monochrome display, a receipt printer, and a 24-key keypad, all in a compact terminal. The Vx570 terminal also includes a USB port, to which a QR barcode scanner can be attached. The Aloha pos help manual acts as a client for a central server run by Somebody, Inc. It does not maintain a Bitcoin block chain, but rather, sends SSL-encrypted queries to servers belonging to Somebody, Inc. in order to retrieve rate quotes and perform transactions. Consequently, it requires a constant Internet connection in order to function. Transactions cannot take place and rates cannot be quoted without a functional connection to the Internet. The Aloha pos help manual and its server are an open source project that is mainly in the planning stage. The Aloha pos help manual is not fully functional. See also:

Functionality

Smartphones can scan QR codes straight off the screen or receipt paper.The Aloha pos help manual offers the following functionality for retail merchants:

• Instant notification of received Bitcoin payments on the network - audible (beeps), and a receipt ticket printed
• Real-time quote of exchange rates, automatically updated continuously from the source of the merchant's choice, and optionally computed with a merchant-definable spread.
• Exchange-rate calculator, converts between local currency and BTC, prints rate quotes.
• Printing of unique Bitcoin receiving addresses for accepting customer payments (receipt prints address both in text and QR code)
• Ability to accept payments by scanning a QR-coded private key presented by the customer (requires USB barcode scanner)
• Security from hackers and thieves: Aloha pos help manual doesn't store bitcoins or private keys, and cannot send or dispense the bitcoins it receives.

The Aloha pos help manual also offers the following functionality for merchants who wish to use the system to sell or dispense bitcoins.