Abstract: A computer display system and technique in which display area is represented as an array of regions, and a record is maintained for each object displayed in the area to identify the regions occupied by the object. When an event occurs that causes a change in the information presented in the display area, the regions that are affected by the change are detected, and an object is updated if its record identifies at least one of the affected regions. Examples of such events include the appearance and removal of dialog boxes, pull-down menus, and other items that may obscure the objects when displayed, and changes in the display characteristics (e.g., color) of the objects.