Based on the multipole expansion theory of the potential, a satisfactory interpretation is put forward of the exact nature of the approximations of asymptotic boundary condition (called the ABC) techniques for the numerical solutions of open-boundary static electromagnetic-field problems, and a definite physical meaning is bestowed on ABC, which provide a powerful theoretical background for laying down the operating rules and the key to the derivation of asymptotic boundary conditions. This paper is also intended to reveal the shortcomings of the conventional higher-order ABC, and at the same time to give the concept of a new type of higher-order ABC, and to present a somewhat different formulation of the new nth-order ABC. In order to test its feasibility, several simple problems of electrostatic potentials are analyzed. The results are found to be much better than those of conventional higher-order ABCs.