In this paper,a novel approach of an optical type absolute rotary encoder coding pattern is presented.The concept is based on the principle of the absolute encoder to find out a unique sequence that ensures an unambiguous shaft position of any angular.We design a single-ring and a n-by-4 matrix absolute encoder coding pattern by using the variations of Hamiltonian path principle.10 encoding bits is used in the single-ring by a linear array CCD to achieve the 1024-cycle encoding.Besides,a 4-by-4 matrix is used as an unit in the 4-line disc to achieve a 16-bits encoding pattern by using an area array CCD sensor.