This simulator is a tool for DSLR users, ie not for technical camera users ;-)
The Schiempflug principle (and the "hinge" principle) apply to any camera that allows changing the orientation of the lens plane and/or film/sensor plane. So, it applies to view cameras as well as to DSLRs with tilt/swing lenses and adapters.
Also, you don’t need to worry about Scheimpflug if you use the hinge, eg see here http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/using-lens-tilt-on-your-digital-slr/
Likewise, you don't need to worry about the "hinge" notion with Scheimpflug.
Furthermore Scheimpflug is simpler and easier, because all of the "planes" in question are tangible:
- the focal plane is the sensor/film (and often marked on DSLRs);
- the lens plane is the optical center of the lens;
- and the focus plane is revealed when objects become sharp.
In contrast, the "hinge" theory is merely a more abstract variant of the Scheimpflug principle, which adds intangible, unseen "planes."
The "front focal plane" of the hinge theory exists in the air, one focal length (the infinity focal length?) from the optical center of the lens. There is nothing physical to indicate the location of this plane some distance in the air in front of the lens, so it has to be estimated.
In addition, the hinge method adds another somewhat intangible variable with its reliance on the abstract "parallel-to-film" lens plane. This hypothetical plane intersects the center of the lens, but it runs parallel to the film plane, regardless of how the lens is tilted/swung. So, using the "parallel-to-film" lens plane requires yet another estimation.
The "front focal plane" estimation and the "parallel-to-film" lens estimation are both unnecessary with the simpler and solid Scheimpflug technique.
Bottom line: I wrote TiltSim to help TS-E users explore the basic principles, ahead of going into the field.
The simulation looks great! On the other hand, it would be interesting to see such a simulation based on the Scheimpflug principle.
Regardless, the "Scheimpflug" and "hinge" methods along with simulations are no substitute for actually putting the principles to practice and getting a feel for how tilt/swings affect the plane of focus (which is actually simple and straightforward). One doesn't normally use "math" when using tilts and swings.
Here is the pertinent passage from the travel photography blog (linked above) that might be helpful to a DSLR user who is new to tilt/swing:
"The usual focusing method using tilt is iterative, there are alternative methods based on measurements and tables but they’re both slower and less accurate. The following is a simplified description of focusing using Scheimpflug with a view camera.
First, one selects two targets on the ground glass (one near and one far along the same plane). A movement is applied (usually tilt in a classic landscape) and the far target focused on. The second target is then scrutinised, using a magnifying loupe on the ground glass, and a small amount of extra movement applied. If the image gets sharper at the second target then you are moving in the right direction, if it gets less sharp then too much tilt has already been applied. Return to the first target, re-focus and repeat until both are in sharp focus.
Care must be taken to apply tilt in small amounts. Don’t be tempted to go straight to sharp focus on the second target. This will mean that both targets cannot be in focus at once.
It must also be remembered that the focusing plane is a flat surface. If your subject is very three-dimensional then movements might not be the answer, it may simply be better to stop down.
The same basic focusing principles apply to T/S lenses on an SLR."
One more thing -- as I mentioned, there might be a problem with the "Focus" slider in your simulation. It seems to be based on focusing by moving the focal plane (the sensor/film), which is not the way that DSLRs focus. Focusing a tilt/swing lens on a tripod-mounted DSLR might give different results than what is shown in your simulation.
