  We generalize the inverse patchy colloid model that was originally developed
for heterogeneously charged particles with two identical polar patches and an
oppositely charged equator to a model that can have a considerably richer
surface pattern. Based on a Debye-Hueckel framework, we propose a
coarse-grained description of the effective pair interactions that is
applicable to particles with an arbitrary patch decoration. We demonstrate the
versatility of this approach by applying it to models with (i) two differently
charged and/or sized patches, and (ii) three, possibly different patches.
