Neuro-fuzzy [Jang,1997][Abraham,2005] are hybrid systems that combine the learning capacity of neural nets [Haykin,1999] with the linguistic interpretation of fuzzy inference systems [Ross,2004]. These systems have been evaluated quite intensively in machine learning tasks. This is mainly due to a number of factors: the applicability of learning algorithms developed for neural nets; the possibility of promoting implicit and explicit knowledge integration; and the possibility of extracting knowledge in the form of fuzzy rules. Most of the well known neuro-fuzzy systems, however, present limitations regarding the number of inputs allowed or the limited (or nonexistent) form to create their own structure and rules [Nauck,1997][Nauck,19 98][Vuorimaa,1994][Zhang,1995]. This paper describes a new class of neuro-fuzzy models, called Hierarchical Neuro-Fuzzy BSP Systems (HNFB). These models employ the BSP partitioning (Binary Space Partitioning) of the input space [Chrysanthou,1996] and have been developed to bypass traditional drawbacks of neuro-fuzzy systems. This paper introduces the HNFB models based on supervised learning algorithm. These models were evaluated in many benchmark applications related to classification and time-series forecasting. A second paper, entitled Hierarchical Neuro-Fuzzy Systems Part II, focuses on hierarchical neuro-fuzzy models based on reinforcement learning algorithms.
