There is a "virtual tilt" alternative to tilt shift that can be implemented in firmware for existing bodies and lenses for relatively still subjects (like tilt shift is typically used for).
It might be described as "dual subject autofocus" or "multi-subject auto focus." It simply involves shooting rapid sequential images (at 20-30 FPS electronic shutter presumably) with each identified subject in focus. The image is the composited to put both subjects in focus. One typical application would be a portrait of two people at different focal differences. Getting both eyes on focus for an angled subject is another application. Face and goods for a model displaying a product such as jewelry.
This and related concepts are disclosed and claimed in
US Patent Number 11,283,989, which was granted last month. Coincidentally, I'm the inventor and just received the printed copy of the patent in the mail yesterday.
Other disclosed concepts include applying this to focus stacking systems to provide focus for intermediate subjects between the main selected subjects.
For shooting angled planar subjects like building facades this does not provide the perfect plane of focus of a tilt shift. But when the tilt is used simply to get a couple important subjects into simultaneous focus, it's a suitable solution. And of course, it's a firmware implementation that doesn't require a new lens. In addition, it enables capturing more two subjects that are not in a common plane with each other.
As a multiple-patent inventor with experience sharing this sort of thing, to save time you may use the following response template codes if you wish:
a. "Cool, congratulations."
b. "Patents suck, and here's why based on my experience..."
c. "I didn't read the patent, but I'm sure it won't work."
d. "I don't like the idea and I would never use it."
My other camera-related patents (granted - more pending) are:
Controlling added digital zoom (cropping) using the optical zoom ring on a conventional lens -
US Patent 10,868,965.
Lens mount adapter with latch to prevent detachment from lens (semi-dedicated) -
US Patent 11,212,451.