We present a new discretization method in the context of supervised learning. This method entitled HyperCluster Finder is characterized by its supervised and polythetic behavior. The method is based on the notion of clusters and processes in two steps. First, a neighborhood graph construction from the learning database allows discovering homogenous clusters. Second, the minimal and maximal values of each cluster are transferred to each dimension in order to define some boundaries to cut the continuous attribute in a set of intervals. The discretization abilities of this method are illustrated by some examples, in particular processing the XOR problem.

In induction graphs methods such as C4.51 or SIPINA2, taking continuous attributes into account needs particular discretization procedures. In this paper, we propose on the one hand, an axiomatic leading to a set of criteria which can be used for continuous attributes discretization, and on the other hand, a method of discretization called FUSINTER. The results obtained by FUSINTER are compared to those obtained by techniques developed by Fayyad and Irani3 and Kerber4 and they have proved better for the majority of the examples studied.